ACC1x: Hidden Subform Maximized If Main Form Is Maximized

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1

SYMPTOMS

In a main/subform combination where the main form is maximized and the subform is hidden, the subform returns maximized when it is made visible. This results in covering the entire main form.

RESOLUTION

Because the Visible property is usually changed through a macro or function, work around this problem by adding steps to the process to restore the main form before the subform is made visible. Then, maximize the main form. An example of this workaround is detailed after the "Steps to Reproduce Problem" section below.

STATUS

This problem no longer occurs in Microsoft Access version 2.0.

MORE INFORMATION

You can reproduce this problem by using the Orders form in the NWIND.MDB sample database. The following steps detail the macros necessary to reproduce this problem. The resolution to this sample problem is listed after the steps.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Create a macro group that contains two macros. Name one "Hidden" and the other "Visible."

         Macro Name         Action
         ---------------------------
         Hidden             Setvalue
         Visible            Setvalue
   
         Hidden Macro Actions
         --------------------
         Setvalue
            Item: Forms![orders]![orders subform].Form.Visible
            Expression: 0
   
         Visible Macro Actions
         ---------------------
         Setvalue
            Item: Forms![orders]![orders subform].Form.Visible
            Expression: -1
   
   

2. Close and save the macro as "Show."

3. Open the Orders form and add two command buttons.

4. Set the following properties on the command buttons:

        Command Button: Button1
           Caption: Hide
           OnPush:  Show.Hidden
   
        Command Button: Button2
           Caption: Show
           OnPush:  Show.Visible
   
   

5. Choose View, then choose Form to open the Orders Form in Form view.

6. Maximize the Orders form by using the Maximize button in the forms upper-right corner.

7. Choose the Hide button to hide the subform.

8. Choose the Show button to show the subform maximized.

To workaround this problem, change the Visible macro actions as follows:

   Visible Macro Actions
   ---------------------
   Echo
      Echo On: No
   Restore
   Setvalue
      Item: Forms![orders]![orders subform].Form.Visible
      Expression: -1
   Maximize
   Echo
      Echo On: Yes

REFERENCES

Microsoft Access "User's Guide," Chapter 22, "Using Macros with Forms"