Newb Needs Some Simple Help

[Drooling Dog]

I feel like an idiot asking this, as it seems so simple, but I just can't figure it out.

This is dealing with 2 tables. I'll also include the fields that matter...

Table One: Employees

Fields: employeeID, fullName (calculated/concatenated field)

Table Two: Meeting Notes

Fields: employeeIDfk (foreign key from Employees table), mnNotes

What I'm trying to do...

On the Meeting Notes data entry screen, I'd like to be able to select present users with the fullName field (from Employees) in a dropdown list, but have the database actually populate with the employeeID field (Primary Key from Employees) value.

Does that make sense? I fear it may not. :

In a nutshell, when I go to add notes about a meeting with an employee, I need to be able to attach those notes to the employee, so I know who I'm talking about. I don't know people's employeeIDs, so I need to be able to select by name, but have the value in the database be recorded as the employeeID.

My relationships are all set up. Just not sure how to get this done on the data entry screen.

Thanks.

Edited February 25, 2009 by Guest

[mr_vodka]

Well you can use a popup menu or drop down. The popup will hide the underlying ID value( first value) and display the second value. If you use a drop down, when you go to select the value, it will display the second value, but after selection, the field will display the first value.

[Drooling Dog]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I get what you're saying, but I'm afraid I need the steps to carry this thing out.

I go into edit layout, then drag a field in? Not sure if that's right, or where to go from there.

[Drooling Dog]

I think I'm getting closer, but I'm still not there yet.

Here is what I tried...

1. Went to Manage > Value Lists

2. Added a new one named "employeeList" with the following settings...

Use values from field

"Employees::fullName

3. Then I opened up the "Meeting Notes" table in edit layout mode.

4. Dragged a new field onto the canvas.

5. Switched the table to "Employees", and selected "fullName".

6. Right-clicked on that field, and chose Field/Control > Setup.

7. Chose the following settings...

Control Style Display As > Pop-up Menu

Display values from employeeList

Display data from Employees > fullName

It's still not working, but I think I'm on the right path. Any pointers?

[mr_vodka]

The value list should be based off of, Employees::EmployeeID as the first field, and Employees::fullName as teh second field. (Also display values from second field checked). Your fullname field will have to be indexed.

[Drooling Dog]

Thanks. I have that set up, but something is still off. My Pop-up list is a yellow box. Nothing happens when I click on it.