How to Create a Date/Time Field in Access 2003

Having a Date/Time field would be useful sometimes, if not necessary in an Access 2003 record. It makes it easier to calculate the number of days between two different dates and to add hours to a time to calculate a new time. Follow these steps to create a Date/Time field in an existing Access 2003 datasheet. If you are creating a new datasheet, skip to Step 6.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Access 2003

Instructions

1. Open the Access 2003 program. Click the "File" button from the top toolbar.

2. Select your datasheet from the "Open" pop-up box.

3. Put your datasheet into "Design" view. This is the first icon on the second toolbar.

4. Place your cursor where you would like the "Date/Time" field to be located.

5. Click the "Insert Rows" button. Rows that are at this location and below will be moved down to make room for the new field.

6. Enter a field name for the new field. This is the name that will show on your datasheet. Select the "Date/Time" data type in the drop-down list in the next column.

7. Write a brief description of what will be found in the field. Return the datasheet back to "Datasheet" view by selecting the "View" button in the toolbar.

Tips & Warnings

• There is an Input Mask Wizard to help you create tables and data fields. It will help you to define fields.

• Writing a good description of your fields will keep you better organized.

• Be sure to save your work or it will be lost.