You say you need to store a 13-characters string, then you say the end user
needs a 13 digit number. Since no math will be done I assume you mean the
end user needs a 13-character string. I don't understand the "need" to store
the leading zeros rather than formatting the string as needed, but I suppose
the validation rule as suggested represents your best option. I agree that
data entry should be by way of a form rather than directly in the table. For
importing I would think you need either to assure the formatting is done
before the import, or you need to process the data after import, perhaps by
way of an update query to pad the value with leading zeros.

WolfDog wrote:
Jeff,
I need to actually store the value as 13 characters. The intent is to allow
the user to input their internal "item #" and have it automatically add
leading zeroes and store that value as a 13 character string. The end user
of the value requires a 13 digit number. No math will be done...reference
only.

Depends on whether you want to STORE thirteen characters for each value or
DISPLAY thirteen characters.
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Thanks!

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