ACC2000: #Error When Control Name Is Used in ControlSource Expression

• Microsoft Access 2000

SYMPTOMS

A field returns a "#Error" error message when the ControlSource property (bound field) contains the Name property in an expression. However, in an unbound text box, the same expression generates the expected value rather than "#Error."

CAUSE

A circular dependency exits in the problem form or a report. Control names take precedence over field names when binding. Access does not provide a more descriptive error for circular references.

RESOLUTION

To reference the Name property in an expression, use an unbound text box. Otherwise, reconstruct the ControlSource property expression so that it does not reference the Name property.

Another alternative is to change the name on the form.

MORE INFORMATION

If you create a form based on a table or query and drag a numeric field onto the form, by default the ControlSource property and the Name property are given the name of the actual field in the underlying table or query. If you change the ControlSource property to an expression that includes the Name property, you see "#Error" in this field when you switch to Form or Datasheet view.

The following example demonstrates an expression within the ControlSource property:

Name:               Person_ID
ControlSource: =[Person_ID] + 1

Additional query words: pounderror prb

Keywords          : kberrmsg kbusage kbdta ExrOthr 
Version           : WINDOWS:2000
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb 

Last Reviewed: May 13, 1999