How to Write Code for Microsoft Access 2003

Create more complex Microsoft Access 2003 databases by writing code for events, macros and objects. Microsoft Access 2003 uses Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code to allow users to further customize databases. Instead of using the basic options provided by Microsoft Access 2003, write code for buttons, forms, reports, list boxes and other objects to perform tasks when you open or use objects such as sending a report to a specific application or logging a user's activity while using the database.

Instructions

1. Open your Microsoft Access 2003 database.

2. Open a form or report in "Design View."

3. Right-click an object, or the small square at the top of a form or report, and choose "Properties."

4. Press the ellipses button next to a property to open the VBA Editor window.

5. Enter your VBA code.

6. Enter VBA code without using the properties menu by selecting "Code" from the "View" menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Never enter VBA code on a live database. Create a copy to test the code on to prevent database errors.

References

• Microsoft Office: Programmability

Resources

• Microsoft Office: Programmability
• Allen Browne: Tips for Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Office: Ways to Get Help on Writing Code