How to Add Data to a Table in Access 2003

Microsoft Access 2003 can seem like a daunting program. Adding data to a table can often seem like a tricky task, but with these simple directions you will be able to accomplish it. It is important to understand that there are two places to add data in Access 2003; the first is in "Design View" and the second is in a Datasheet. The following directions cover both.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Access 2003

Add Data to a Table in Design View

1. Turn on your computer. Open Access 2003.

2. Click to open a table in "Design View." Select the row in your table where you wish to add your data. Go to the toolbar and click on "Insert Rows."

3. Click on the "Field Name" column and type the name you want for that field, making sure that it is not the name of another field.

4. Click the arrow in the "Data Type" column to select the data type you want. You may also keep the default mode.

5. Type a description of the information this field will contain in the "Description" column. While this is an optional step, it will help you, as the description will be displayed in the status bar when you add data to a field and will be included in the "Object Definition" of your table.

Add Data to a Table in Datasheet View

6. Turn on your computer. Open Access 2003.

7. Open the table you want to work on in "Datasheet View." Click the column to the right of the space you want to add new data to.

8. Click "Column" on the "Insert" menu. Use your double click option on the column's name and type the name of your new column.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a unique name for each new column for data. The program may otherwise include your new data in a column with an identical name or combine the two columns into one.
• Data sections are called fields in Access 2003. You must either create a new field or use an already created field in order to add data to your table.
• If you are going to add data to a linked table in another Microsoft Access database, you have to open its source database in order to make it work properly.
• If the table you are linking is from another application such as Word or Excel, you must open the source file with that application to add your new field.