Criteria - multiple column table

I am using Access 2002. I have fields where the entry is picked from a table with 2 columns. One column is an ID number, the other is a word or phrase. When I run a query, I want to be able to define the criterion either by the number OR by the phrase. However, as far as I can tell, Access always assumes that the value will be referring to the first column of the table (or the first column that has been selected, if only certain columns have been selected). How can I specify which column it will look in to match my specified criterion?
Thanks!

Sophi,

I assume you are using the query grid to build your query. If so, you add
the fields you want in the query, go to the column you want in your
criteria, and in the criteria line, enter your value. Then, in the second
column you want in your query, drop down to the second criteria line and
enter the value for that column.

HTH

Dale

"Sophisticated Penguin" Sophisticated
wrote in message ...
I am using Access 2002. I have fields where the entry is picked from a
table with 2 columns. One column is an ID number, the other is a word or
phrase. When I run a query, I want to be able to define the criterion
either by the number OR by the phrase. However, as far as I can tell,
Access always assumes that the value will be referring to the first column
of the table (or the first column that has been selected, if only certain
columns have been selected). How can I specify which column it will look in
to match my specified criterion?
Thanks!

Hi Dale,

I assume you are using the query grid to build your query.
That's right.
If so, you add
the fields you want in the query, go to the column you want in your
criteria, and in the criteria line, enter your value. Then, in the second
column you want in your query, drop down to the second criteria line and
enter the value for that column.

Hmmm... The problem is that I can't get the fields into the columns in the first place. My database is set up so that there is a main table (for holding the records) and other tables containing the options for combo boxes (used in the main table, forms etc). These other tables have an autoID number and a combo box option on each row (i.e. 2 columns) If I set up the combo boxes on the main table using SELECT to choose the appropriate column for the row source(the one containing the option words), then the query will only recognize criteria consisting of the option words. If I set up the combo boxes so that both columns are actually there but the first column is hidden (width 0cm), (this still shows the correct list of options in the combo box), the query only recognizes criteria consisting of the autoID numbers from the first column.

The problem is that there are times when it would be useful to use the number in the query (to avoid typing several words), but other times when it would be more convenient to use the ID number. Is it possible to do both? The alternative would be if it were possible to get a drop down list of suggestions for entering the criteria - then I could just use the text column rather than the autoID numbers.

thanks!
SP

Hi again,

Sorry - I've just realized that I was being really slow... I now realize that you meant for me to add the extra tables into my query as well as my main table - that way I can choose whether to use the text column or the AutoID column. Thanks for your help!
SP