ACC: "Can't Bind Name '[XXX]'" Error with Crosstab Query

ID: Q91710

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 7.0, 97

SYMPTOMS

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

If you create a crosstab query that uses an implicit parameter [XXX] in a WHERE clause (criteria), you may receive the following error message:

In Microsoft Access 97:

The Microsoft Jet database engine does not recognize '[XXX]' as a valid field name or expression.

In earlier versions of Microsoft Access:

Can't bind name '[XXX]'

If you use an explicit parameter, the query works as expected.

CAUSE

A crosstab query dynamically generates column names. Therefore, Microsoft Access cannot tell whether [XXX] is referring to a parameter or a column name until after the query is bound.

When you build a graph, Microsoft Access uses a crosstab to build the data to graph. If the query is a parameter query, you have to define the parameters explicitly, as you would have to for a normal crosstab query.

RESOLUTION

To avoid this error, define [XXX] as an explicit parameter by adding it to the Query Parameters dialog box.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

Open the sample database Northwind.mdb (or NWIND.MDB in version 2.0 or earlier).

Create a new crosstab query based on the Order Details table.

Drag the UnitPrice, Discount, and OrderID fields to the QBE grid, and set the values in the grid as follows.

NOTE: Type a space in the Unit Price and Order ID fields in version 1.x and 2.0.


      Crosstab Query: Query1
      ---------------------------------
      Field: UnitPrice
         Total: Group By
         Crosstab: Row Heading
         Criteria: > [Enter an Amount:]
      Field: Discount
         Total: Group By
         Crosstab: Column Heading
      Field: OrderID
         Total: Count
         Crosstab: Value

Run the query. Note that you receive the error message mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.

Click OK to return to Query Design view, and then click Parameters on the Query menu.

Enter the following under Parameters:

[Enter an Amount:]

Select Currency as the data type, and then click OK.

Run the query and type any amount (for example, type "2"). Note that the query runs.

REFERENCES

For more information about crosstab queries, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q104758 ACC: Error with Linked Crosstab Subform or Subreport

Q109939 ACC: Creating a Crosstab Query with Multiple Value Fields

For more information about parameter queries, type parameter queries in the Office Assistant, click Search, and then click to view "Troubleshoot parameter queries."


Keywords          : kberrmsg QryCross 
Version           : 1.0 1.1 2.0 7.0 97
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: March 12, 1999