How to Create a Simple Query in Microsoft Access

By creating a simple query in MS Access, you can display field information in various ways. For example, suppose you have one table that contains extensive information about of all of your business contacts. However, for now, you just want to see the names in the list. By using a simple query, you could view a column containing names only. These instructions apply to MS Access 97.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Access

Instructions

1. Open the Database window and click on the Query tab.

2. Click New. A New Query dialog box will open.

3. Click Simple Query Wizard. Click OK.

4. Select the table that you want to use. In the business example, you would select your Contacts table.

5. Click on the field that you want to use in the query, then use the > symbol to transfer it into the Selected Fields box. In the example given above, you would select Name field.

6. Follow the wizard's instructions. Click Finish when ready. A query is created. It will show the values in the field that you selected.

Tips & Warnings

• A query is different from a filter; a query displays selected fields, while a filter displays selected records. To filter out certain fields from query results, see "How to Create a Microsoft Access Query That Uses Multiple Criteria in One Field" in the Related eHows.

• You can use as many fields as you want in the query.