Getting Started With Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is a versatile relational database program that enables you to efficiently store and retrieve data. This handout explains how to navigate the Access interface, create simple tables and queries, and relate information from one table to another.

Starting Access

Exploring the Access Interface

Components of the Access Window

Besides the usual window components (close box, title bar, scroll bars, etc.), an Access window has several unique elements identified in the figure below.

The Database Toolbar

The Database toolbar, located beneath the menu bar, has buttons for commonly performed tasks like accessing the Relationships window, adding Objects, Exporting to Office, and other operations. Access let's you customize the toolbar or even display multiple toolbars at the same time. The Standard Access XP toolbar appears undocked in the figure below.

The Data sheet Toolbar

The Data sheet toolbar provides common tasks for editing an object in Data sheet view. The Database toolbar will automatically change into the Data sheet toolbar when this view is selected. The Data sheet tool bar exists between different objects, thus, this toolbar largely remains consistent.

The Design Toolbar

The Design toolbar provides common tasks for editing an object in Design view. The Database toolbar will automatically change into the Design toolbar when this view is selected. The Design tool bar exists between different objects, and thus, maintains much of the same functionality.

Common Database Features

Access provides a quick and convenient method of accessing the most common tasks. This includes switching between views, opening and creating new databases, and a few minor formatting issues

Creating a Database

When you start Access there are no databases open, but the Task Pane is visible and provides quick access to common options such as opening an existing database or creating a new database. To create a database, select Blank Database under the New subgroup.

Database Components

An Access database consists of seven different components. These are: tables, queries, forms, reports, pages, macros, and modules. Use the buttons in the database window shown below to create and modify these components. Each component listed is called an object.

Creating Tables

The purpose of a table is to store information. Tables are the building blocks of an access database. Access gives you multiple ways to make tables.

(Step 3) - Select Employees; double click on the fields that will be in the table. If that isn't the exact name of the field then you can select the Rename Field button and retype the field name. Choose OK . Choose Next .

(Step 4) - Type in the table Name and select No, I'll set the primary key . Choose Next .

(Step 5) - From the drop down list choose the field that will be the primary key. Also, choose the correct data type. Choose Next .

Creating Relationships

Relating tables together allows for queries to search in multiple tables. The two most common relationships are One-To-One and One-To-Many.

(Step 3) - Drag EmpId from tblEmployees and drop it on EmpId from tblProjects.

(Step 5) - Confirm the relationship by looking for a line connecting the tables. Close the Relationships window by clicking on the black X with the gray background.

Creating Queries

Queries allow the user to search data from a table(s) and then save that search. Criteria can be specified and saved in a query. There are several types of queries which perform several types of tasks. A select query is a standard query. To create a simple select query, use the Simple Query Wizard.

(Step 2) - Select Simple Query Wizard. Choose OK . (Notice some of the other types of queries available).

Add the requested fields

(Step 3) - Select the table or query you want to query from the Tables/Queries drop down list. Double click on the available fields you want to select. Choose Next .