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Access 2000

Finding Records

Page 1

Introduction

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

  • Perform a simple find
  • Use a wildcard to find a record
Page 2

The Find and Replace Dialog Box

When you are dealing with a large database filled with thousands of records, you may need to quickly locate one of them. Access provides an easy way to find individual records: the Find function.

To use the Find Function:

  • Click in the field that contains the data you're searching for.
  • Choose EditactionFind or click the Find button on the toolbar.
    Find button
  • The Find and Replace dialog box opens. Type a piece of information related to the record you're searching for. In the example, "Rob" a piece of information related to the last name "Robinson," appears in the Find What text box.
  • Click Find Next.

Find and Replace dialog box

Page 3

The Find and Replace Dialog Box's Additional Features

  • Use the Look In drop down box to narrow your search. Tell Access where to look for the text. Choose current field or entire database.

Important PointIf you've already clicked in the field that contains the data you're searching for, you may skip this step.

Find and Replace dialog box - Look In drop down box

Find and Replace dialog box - Match drop down box

  • Click Find Next. The records with the first occurrence of the matched text displays, or the Office Assistant tells you no matched records were found.

Office Assistant's message: File not found

  • Click Cancel if you've found the record you're searching for. The Find and Replace dialog box closes.

    OR

  • Click Find Next if you need to search further. The next occurrence displays.
Page 4

Using Wildcards

If you are unable to find the record you're searching for using a simple find, try typing an operator in the Find What text box in the Find and Replace dialog box. A common Access operator is a wildcard, a symbol representing one or more characters.

Wildcard Usage Example
*(Asterisk) Used at the beginning or the end of a search string to match one or more characters Sch* finds Schlotz and Schwartz. *ing finds Wheeling and Browning.
? (Question Mark) Matches any single alphabetic character Sp?ll finds spell and spill.
# (Pound Sign) Matches any single numeric character 9#1 finds 901, 911, 921, 931, etc.

To Search for a Record Using a Wildcard:

  • Choose EditImportant PointFind from the menu bar or click the Find button on the toolbar. Find button (Ctrl + F)
  • The Find and Replace dialog box opens.
  • Type your wildcard combination in the Find What text box.
  • Click on Find Next. The records with the first occurrence of the matched text displays, or the Office Assistant tells you no matched records were found.
  • Click Cancel if you found the record you're searching for. The Find and Replace dialog box closes.

OR

  • Click Find Next if you need to search further. The next occurrence displays.

Searching with Asterisk wildcard in the Find and Replace dialog box

Page 5

Challenge!

  • Open the Great Lake Elementary database.
  • Double click the Students table. The Students table (in Datasheet View) opens.
  • Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the data in the table, and experiment using the skills learned in this lesson:
  • Perform a simple Find using the Find and Replace dialog box. For example, find the Parent/Guardian "Gena Stroud".
  • Use a wildcard to find a record. For example, search for all students whose last names begin with "S".
  • Close the table.
  • Do not save changes.