multiple input mask

[ezechiel]

hi everyone..

i read on another forum that it is possible to define multiple input masks for a textbox (for example).

There is a textbox field where you can enter the name of a machine.
The user should only have two possibilities:

HOSTx-xxx vba: HOST9-99C ? like HOST2-45 or HOST9-245
(C can be 'nothing', right or not?)

or
SRV000xxx like SRV000105

So how can i combine two input masks?
The following is not working..

Me.txt_computer.InputMask = "HOST9-99C;;_" Or "SRV000999;;_"

Another question: how can I force the text HOST or SRV000?

Thanks

[ADezii]

@ezechiel
I do believe that you can only define a Single Input Mask which does nothing for your case. What you can do is to write code in the BeforeUpdate() Event of the Text Box that insures that only a few valid formats will be entered. If not, then the Update is cancelled.

Private Sub Text94_BeforeUpdate(Cancel As Integer)
Dim txt As TextBox
Dim intCharPos As Integer
 
Set txt = Me![Text94]
 
If txt Like "HOST9-[0-9][0-9]" Or txt Like "HOST9-[0-9][0-9][0-9]" _
             Or txt Like "SRV000[0-9][0-9][0-9]" Then
Else
  MsgBox "Invalid Entry" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & "Valid Codes should be " & _
         "HOST9-xx, HOST9-xxX, or SRV000xxx where x is a Numeric Value.", _
          vbExclamation, "Entry Not Valid"
            Cancel = True
End If
End Sub

[ADezii]

There is one point that I should clarify after careful consideration. You can define Multiple Input Masks based on the value of another Field, as in:

If Me![<Some Field>] = <Value> Then
  Me![<Another Field>].InputMask = "<Input Mask 1>"
Else
  Me![<Another Field>].InputMask = "<Input Mask 2>"
End If

[missinglinq]

I think ADezii has covered this well! You can assign multiple Input Masks, but only one at a time (as demonstrated in his second post) prior to entering data into the target control. I would think you would also have to insure that the target control was locked until whatever condition was met that led to a particular Input Mask being assigned.

For the scenario given by the OP here, I would think that Validation code, executed after the data has been entered, such as ADezii's first post gives, would be the way to go.

Linq ;0)>

[ezechiel]

Ok,

thanks for the answers people!! I think every solution has been covered here.
You just made the first interesting post (with solution) on the internet concerning this problem!!! (I googled around a lot, but every time, people suggest to use two textboxes, add a field in DB or other stuff.)

So, finally a couple of usefull answers! :D

Thanks again!

[NeoPa]

@ezechiel
That's why I stuck around in the first place if truth be told. I had a couple of long-standing issues that I could find answers to anywhere.

I remember Mary (msquared) was able to answer one for me from her own personal understanding, and another was answered too. Much to my surprise I admit. I'd pretty well given up hope of finding answers ever.