"Can't Bind Name '[XXX]'" Error Message with Crosstab Query (91710)

SYMPTOMS

If you create a crosstab query that uses an implicit parameter [XXX] in a WHERE clause (criteria), you may receive the following error message in Microsoft Access 97:

The Microsoft Jet database engine does not recognize '[XXX]' as a valid field name or expression.

In earlier versions of Microsoft Access, you receive the following error message:

Can't bind name '[XXX]'

If you use an explicit parameter, the query works as expected.

CAUSE

A crosstab query dynamically generates column names. Therefore, Microsoft Access cannot tell whether [XXX] refers to a parameter or to a column name until after the query is bound.

When you build a graph, Microsoft Access uses a crosstab to build the data to graph. If the query is a parameter query, you have to define the parameters explicitly as you would have to for a typical crosstab query.

RESOLUTION

Method 1

Define an Explicit Parameter:

To avoid this error, define [XXX] as an explicit parameter by adding it to the Query Parameters dialog box.

Method 2

Use Code to Change the Column Headings:

You can use Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications to dynamically change the column headings in the crosstab query.

For additional information about how to use code to change column headings, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

155489 ACC: How to Use Code to Change Column Headings in Crosstab Query

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce the Behavior

Open the sample database Northwind.mdb (or NWIND.MDB in version 2.0 or earlier).
Create a new crosstab query that is based on the Order Details table.

Drag the UnitPrice, the Discount, and the OrderID fields to the QBE grid and then set the values in the grid as follows:

NOTE: Type a space in the Unit Price and the Order ID fields in version 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0.

      Crosstab Query: Query1
      ---------------------------------
      Field: UnitPrice
         Total: Group By
         Crosstab: Row Heading
         Criteria: > [Enter an Amount:]
      Field: Discount
         Total: Group By
         Crosstab: Column Heading
      Field: OrderID
         Total: Count
         Crosstab: Value

Run the query. Note that you receive the error message that is mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.
Click OK to return to Query Design view and then click Parameters on the Query menu.
Enter the following under Parameters:

[Enter an Amount:]
Select Currency as the data type, and then click OK.
Run the query and type any amount (for example, type 2). Notice that the query runs.

REFERENCES

For additional information about crosstab queries, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

104758 ACC: Error with Linked Crosstab Subform or Subreport

109939 ACC: Creating a Crosstab Query with Multiple Value Fields

For more information about parameter queries, type parameter queries in the Office Assistant, click Search, and then click to view Troubleshoot parameter queries.