ACC97: Filtering for Words That Start with IS Requires Quotes

• Microsoft Access 97

SYMPTOMS

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

In Microsoft Access 97, if you use the Filter By Form feature, and you are searching for words that start with "is" (without the quotation marks), you must use quotation marks around the string. If you type "is*" (without the quotation marks), the filter returns the following message:

  You can use the Is operator only in an expression with Null or Not Null.

CAUSE

Microsoft Access assumes that when you use "is" (without the quotation marks), you are referring to Is Null or Is Not Null.

RESOLUTION

To search for words that start with "is," you must surround the entire string with quotation marks including any wild card characters that you are using. For example, you would type "is*" (with the quotation marks) in the Filter For box.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. In the sample database Northwind.mdb, open the Orders table.

2. Click in the Customer column.

3. Using the right mouse button (right-click), click to bring up the shortcut menu, and then click in the Filter For box.

4. Type "is*" (without the quotation marks), and then press ENTER. Note that you receive the message mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.

REFERENCES

For more information about using the Filter By Form feature, search the Help Index for "Filter by Form," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.