How to Build a Microsoft Access Database

Microsoft Access is a relational database program used by many small businesses and at-home MS Office users. Access combines the familiar toolbars and other features of Microsoft Office applications with powerful database objects such as forms, queries and reports that allow you to extract the data you need. To mine the information, though, you need to input it properly. Before building an Access database, knowing what you will need to pull from it will help.

Instructions

1. 

   Open Microsoft Access. Click the "New" button in Access 2003 or earlier, or click the "Office Button" in Access 2007 and click "New." Select "Blank Database," and the "New Database" window will open. Name the database, and click the "Create" button.

2. 

   Double-click "Create Table Using Wizard." The "Table Wizard" will open. Tables are used to enter the data for the Access database. Each table should be based on a relationship. For example, you might make one table called "Clients" and another named "Employees."

3. 

   Select a sample table that closely describes the first table you want to create. Double-click the "Sample Fields" you want to use in your table. Click "Next." Name the table, click "Next" again and then click "Finish."

4. 

   Enter data into the fields in the first row. Continue entering data for each database entry. More data can be added at any time.

5. 

   Repeat the same steps to make as many database tables as needed. Save the database before closing it to save any changes.

References

• Microsoft Access Database Design Basics