ACC: Access Keys Do Not Work in Table and Query Datasheet View

• Microsoft Access versions 2.0, 7.0, 97

SYMPTOMS

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

When you create access keys for table or query fields by typing an ampersand (&) in the Caption property of table or query fields, the access keys do not work in table or query Datasheet view. In Microsoft Access 7.0 and 97 the literal ampersand characters appears in the field names, and the characters you intended to be underlined do not have underlines. In version 2.0, the characters are underlined, but in all versions the ALT plus letter key combinations do not move the focus to the intended fields.

CAUSE

Access keys are not functional in table or query Datasheet view.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

Although the access keys that you create in the Caption property of table or query fields will not work in Datasheet view of the table or query, forms based on the table or query will inherit the functioning access keys in both Datasheet view and Form view.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Open any database and create a new table named Table1 in Design view.

2. Create two fields, Field1 and Field2, and set the data type to Text.

3. Set the Caption property of Field1 to Field&1 and the Caption property of Field2 to Field&2.

4. Close and save the Table1 table. You do not need to define a primary key.

5. Open the Table1 table in Datasheet view. In Microsoft Access 7.0 and 97, note that Datasheet column names appear as Field&1 and Field&2, the numbers 1 and 2 in the column names are not underlined. In version 2.0 the numbers 1 and 2 are underlined. But note that in all versions the ALT plus number key combinations are not functional. Close the table.

6. In the Database window, make sure that the Table1 table is selected. Click the New Object button on the toolbar, and then click AutoForm on the menu that appears (or click the New Form button in version 2.0). Note that when the Table1 form is created in Form view, Field1 and Field2 appear with the numbers underlined and pressing the ALT+1 or ALT+2 key combination moves the focus to the respective fields.

7. Switch the Table1 form to Datasheet view by clicking Datasheet View on the View menu. Note that in Datasheet view, Field1 and Field2 also appear with the numbers underlined and pressing the ALT+1 or ALT+2 key combination moves the focus to the respective fields.

REFERENCES

For more information about access keys, search the Help Index for "access keys," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.