ACC: Input Mask Wizard Not Available with All DataTypes

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

SYMPTOMS

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

When you try to invoke the Input Mask Wizard, you may receive the following error message:

   The Input Mask Wizard only works with Text or Date/Time fields.

CAUSE

You can use the Input Mask Wizard with Text and Date/Time data types, but you cannot use it with Memo, Number, Currency, Counter, Yes/No, or OLE Object data types.

The Microsoft Access Help Index topic, "Wizards, Input Mask Wizard," in Microsoft Access 7.0 and 97, or the Help Index topic, "InputMask Property" and "Adding an Input Mask" in Microsoft Access 2.0 and 1.x do not identify which data types will work with the Input Mask Wizard.

RESOLUTION

If you cannot use the Input Mask Wizard, enter the input mask manually in the InputMask property.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

The Input Mask Wizard is invoked by clicking the Build button to the right of the InputMask property. The InputMask property applies to table fields, query fields, and text box controls on forms and reports. You can use the Input Mask Wizard with Text and Date/Time data types, and, in forms and reports, you can use it with unbound text box controls. Trying to use the Input Mask Wizard with all other data types will produce the error message mentioned earlier in this article.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Open the sample database Northwind.mdb (or NWIND.MDB in versions 1.x and 2.0).

2. Open the Employees form in Design view.

3. Select the EmployeeID text box control (or Employee ID in versions 1.x and 2.0).

4. If the property sheet is not open, on the View menu click Properties.

5. In the Property window, click the InputMask field on the Data tab (under Data Properties in versions 1.x and 2.0.)

6. Click the Build button to invoke the Input Mask Wizard.