Property window does not open in report design view

[MNNovice]

I have a database in Access 2003. All of a sudden I am unable to open the property window for reports (in design view). Although the property window is visible for other objects such as, forms.

My laptop has different users option. When I sign on as "guest", I don't have this problem with the property window for reports for the same database. What is wrong?

I googled the problem and someone suggested to export the Registry under HKEY from the "guest" user profile. But this didn't solve my problem.

Any help will be much appreciated. It's very difficult to edit a report without the property window.

Many thanks.

[ADezii]

@MNNovice
In Report Design View, press ALT+ENTER which normally brings up the Properties Window. This isn't a cure, but at least you can temporariy access the Properties Window (maybe).

[NeoPa]

There's also a Properties button that does the same. It should fix the problem actually, as it's only remembering the last choice. Choose to show properties and it should remember that for you.

[NeoPa]

M,

I have a very interesting link for you (not directly related to this issue) - The Evils of Lookup Fields in Tables.

I found it in this thread - http://bytes.com/topic/access/answer...field-question. You may find some of the comments illuminating.

[MNNovice]

NeoPa:

Clicking on the Property button didn't resolve the matter. While the icon stays indented but the property window remains invisible.

If pressing Alt + Enter is an alternative to what you suggest then I am afraid it won't solve my problem. But I will try Alt + Enter when I get home tonight.

Thanks much. M

[MNNovice]

AdeZii:

Thanks for your suggestion. NeoPa is suggesting that clicking on the property button is alternative way of what you suggest. I tried his suggestion but no no avail. I will try Alt + Enter as you suggested when I get home tonight.

Thanks.

[NeoPa]

If the button shows as pressed in, then I suspect the window is actually visible (as far as Access is concerned), but possibly moved out of the visible area somehow, or maybe sized such that it doesn't show.

Try (immediately after clicking on the button to show the properties) Alt-Space S. This allows you to change the size of it with the arrow keys. Play until you see the window, then reconfigure it to how you want it.

[MNNovice]

NeoPa:

It's odd that the property window will open for forms but not for report. I am baffled by the oddity of this issue. What you say makes sense. I will definitely give it a try.

Thanks.

[NeoPa]

Let me know if you manage to resolve that M.

If not, you can send me the db and I'll see if I can sort it for you. I doubt that'll be necessary though.

[MNNovice]

The DB works just fine on any other computer except for my laptop and that too only when I sign on as myself. If I sign on as a guest, it works just fine. Can you beleive this strange thing?

Thanks. M

[MNNovice]

NeoPa:

Alt + Space didn't work. I just couldn't find where the property window is hiding? How come it shows up for forms? This is driving me crazy.

Now I am trying to figure out how to zip my file to attach for you to review. Will you be kind enough to send me the steps to do this? I will post the DB tomorrow. Many thanks. M

[NeoPa]

I'm not sure what you need here M. I'll go through the basics and if you need more tell me specifically where.

1. Use the Compact/Repair to release any bloat from the database.
2. Next Zip the file up using WinZip or similar application.
3. When entering a post (Advanced Mode - not Quick Reply) there is a Manage Attachments button. Click on that.
4. Within there navigate to your file with the browse button then upload it.

I hope this helps.

[NeoPa]

M,

For reference, the steps to get the Properties Window visible again are :

1. Open the object (Report in this case) in Design View.
2. Ensure that the Properties Window is not visible.
3. Enable the Properties Window, making sure not to touch anything with the mouse at this point. It is important that the Properties Window remains the front window even if it is not visible on the screen.
4. With the keyboard select Alt-Space then S. This is selecting Size from the window menu of the current window. It is important that this is the Properties Window.
5. You should see a four-way pointing mouse arrow appear somewhere on your screen (at an edge).
6. Depending on which edge it appears at, press the arrow key that would move it towards the centre (If it appears at the right edge of the screen then use the Left-Arrow key).
7. Keep pressing that arrow until the Properties Window shows itself.
8. Hit the <Enter> key to save that setting.
9. You can now manipulate the Properties Window practically with the mouse which is a bit easier. Setting it exactly how you want it.