ACC2000: Query with Expression on Expression Prompts for Parameter (208968)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 2000
This article was previously published under Q208968
This article applies only to a Microsoft Access database (.mdb).

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

SYMPTOMS

When you run a query, Microsoft Access prompts you to enter a parameter value even though you have not defined a parameter in the query.

CAUSE

You have an expression in your query that has a criteria or sort order, and the query references a different field in the query that uses an alias.

This can be seen most easily in the query's SQL view. The SELECT list can include expression names, but other clauses, such as WHERE and ORDER BY, cannot.

RESOLUTION

There are two ways to work around this behavior:
  • Substitute the first expression for the first expression's name in the second expression.
  • Create a second query based on the initial query and include the sort order and criteria in the second query.
Please see the "Steps to Reproduce Behavior" section of this article for examples of these two methods.

STATUS

Microsoft Access supports referencing column aliases only in the field list (SELECT clause) of a query, not in the ORDER BY or the WHERE clause.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

  1. Open the sample database Northwind.mdb, and create a new query based on the Order Details table.
  2. Drag the Quantity field from the field list to the query grid.
  3. Add the following expressions to the query: 
       Field: Calc: 5*[Quantity]
   Field: Total: [Calc]+20
    Note that the second expression is based on the first expression.
  4. Run the query. Note that the query runs correctly.
  5. View the query in Design view again.
  6. Set the sort order of the Total column to Ascending.
  7. Run the query again. Note that you are prompted to enter a parameter value for "Calc," even though no parameter is defined in the query.
The SQL statement for this query is: 
   SELECT [Order Details].Quantity, 5*[Quantity] AS Calc,
   [Calc]+20 AS Total
   FROM [Order Details]
   ORDER BY [Calc]+20;
Note that the ORDER BY clause includes the Calc alias, which is not supported.

To correct the sample query, use either of the following methods:
  • Change the Total expression in step 3 to: 
       Total: (5*[Quantity])+20
    This change substitutes the first expression for the first expression's name in the second expression.
  • Save the sample query after step 4, and then create a new query based on the sample query to include the sort order for the Total expression.

REFERENCES

For more information about calculated fields in queries, click Microsoft Access Help on the Help menu, type perform calculations in a query in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/30/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB208968
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.