ACC: "#Name?" or Control Is Blank on Form Based on a Query

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

SYMPTOMS

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

If you have a form based on a query, and the query contains multiple fields with the same name (such as FieldA from Table1 and FieldA from Table2), the control(s) on the form that are bound to that field name will be blank or may display the "#Name?" error.

CAUSE

Because the same field name appears multiple times in the query that the form is based on, Microsoft Access does not know which field to link to the control(s). Therefore, instead of making an assumption about which field to bind to, it leaves the control(s) linked to duplicate field names blank or displays the "#Name?" error in the control.

RESOLUTION

To correct this behavior, rename the field in the query.

To change a field name in a query, follow these steps:

1. In a query's Design view, place the insertion point in front of the first letter of the field name in the query design grid.

2. Type the new name followed by a colon. Delete any names assigned by Microsoft Access, but do not delete the field name or expression.

REFERENCES

For more information about changing a field name in a query, search the Help Index for "query design grid," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.