Data Entry Error in Subform ("Isn't Valid For This Field")

[lottaviano]

I am using Access 2002 and have two tables (Main and Actions) linked
(in Relationships) on one field "CAL_ID" (primary key in Main Table).
Main Table is a list of equipment. Actions Table lists actions
performed on these pieces of equipment (calibration, cleaning, etc.) so
there are many records per every one record in the Main Table.

I have a form based on Main Table, containing a subform for Actions
Table. This is used for data entry: to add new pieces of equipment,
and new actions. The subform is linked master and child on the CAL_ID
field present in both tables.

Here is my problem: Whenever I go over to the subform and start
entering data in any field (date, combo box, memo field, etc.) I get
the message "The value you entered isn't valid for this field." As
soon as I hit the OK button, it allows me to enter data as normal. I
do NOT get this error when the subform is not linked master and child,
however then I don't get the corresponding Action records as I cycle
through the Main Table records. I also get the error if I have the
subform on Datasheet View. Does anyone know what is wrong? I don't
know if it matters, but the combo box has a Value List, and the Date
field had a Short Date format assigned (because I get this error
regardless of the field, I wouldn't think this affects it).

Liana

[Allen Browne]

What is the RecordSource of this subform?

If it is a query, and the query contains more than one table, then this
sounds like a known problem. If you are adding records to table B, and table
A has a field with a Default Value set, Access wrongly attempts to assign
the value to the field from table A. Naturally, this doesn't work, and the
result is the cryptic message that the value cannot be assigned. Removing
the Default Value from the field in the other table solves the problem.

Please post back again if this does not describe the situation you are
seeing.

--
Allen Browne - Microsoft MVP. Perth, Western Australia.
Tips for Access users - http://allenbrowne.com/tips.html
Reply to group, rather than allenbrowne at mvps dot org.

<lo********@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:11**********************@g43g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...

I am using Access 2002 and have two tables (Main and Actions) linked
(in Relationships) on one field "CAL_ID" (primary key in Main Table).
Main Table is a list of equipment. Actions Table lists actions
performed on these pieces of equipment (calibration, cleaning, etc.) so
there are many records per every one record in the Main Table.

I have a form based on Main Table, containing a subform for Actions
Table. This is used for data entry: to add new pieces of equipment,
and new actions. The subform is linked master and child on the CAL_ID
field present in both tables.

Here is my problem: Whenever I go over to the subform and start
entering data in any field (date, combo box, memo field, etc.) I get
the message "The value you entered isn't valid for this field." As
soon as I hit the OK button, it allows me to enter data as normal. I
do NOT get this error when the subform is not linked master and child,
however then I don't get the corresponding Action records as I cycle
through the Main Table records. I also get the error if I have the
subform on Datasheet View. Does anyone know what is wrong? I don't
know if it matters, but the combo box has a Value List, and the Date
field had a Short Date format assigned (because I get this error
regardless of the field, I wouldn't think this affects it).

Liana

[lottaviano]

Thanks for replying. The source isn't a query. It's a regular table.

[Allen Browne]

In that case, it is most likely that the Format property of a text box on
the form or a field in the table is set incorrectly, or else the data being
entered is not appropriate for the type of field (e.g. a date or number
where you entered a string.)

--
Allen Browne - Microsoft MVP. Perth, Western Australia.
Tips for Access users - http://allenbrowne.com/tips.html
Reply to group, rather than allenbrowne at mvps dot org.
<lo********@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:11********************@g49g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...

Thanks for replying. The source isn't a query. It's a regular table.

[lottaviano]

What I think is strange is that I get the error after hitting just one
keystroke. For example, the date is set to Short Date format in both
the table and the subform, but as soon as I hit a zero "0" (or any
other number), I get the error message. Likewise in the "Initials"
field, which is a straight up text box (on the form) and text field (in
the table) - as soon as I hit any character, I get the error.

Also strange is that once I clear the error message once, it accepts
all data just fine with no more errors. Is there a way to supress the
error message so it just doesn't pop up?

[Allen Browne]

If it is just the first keystoke when you begin to add a new record, then
the most likely culprits are either the Default Value of a control or field,
or code in the BeforeInsert event of the form.

--
Allen Browne - Microsoft MVP. Perth, Western Australia.
Tips for Access users - http://allenbrowne.com/tips.html
Reply to group, rather than allenbrowne at mvps dot org.

<lo********@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:11**********************@g47g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...

What I think is strange is that I get the error after hitting just one
keystroke. For example, the date is set to Short Date format in both
the table and the subform, but as soon as I hit a zero "0" (or any
other number), I get the error message. Likewise in the "Initials"
field, which is a straight up text box (on the form) and text field (in
the table) - as soon as I hit any character, I get the error.

Also strange is that once I clear the error message once, it accepts
all data just fine with no more errors. Is there a way to supress the
error message so it just doesn't pop up?