How to Create an Index in Microsoft Access to Sort Records Faster
Access uses an index in the same way that you would use an index in a book: to find information more quickly. Indexing fields that you frequently search can speed up sorts. You can index multiple fields or single fields. These instructions are for Access 97.
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Instructions
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Single-Field Indexes
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1
Open the table in Design view.
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In the top part of the screen, click on the field that you want to index.
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In the lower part of the screen, click the Indexed property box and select either Yes (Duplicates OK) or Yes (No Duplicates).
Multiple-Field Indexes
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Open the table in Design view.
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Click Indexes on the toolbar, or open the View menu and choose Indexes.
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Type a name for the index in the Index Name column.
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Go to the Field Name column and click the arrow.
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Select the first field for the index.
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Repeat, selecting as many fields as necessary.
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Leave the Indexes window open.
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Click on the new index name at the top.
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At the bottom of the screen, click the Unique property box. Set it to Yes.
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Tips & Warnings
To delete an index, go to the Indexes window (open the View menu and choose Indexes), then delete its row.
You cannot index a field if the data type is Memo, Hyperlink or OLE Object.
Indexing can slow down some action queries.
