How to Access Wildcard Characters in a Parameter Query

Parameter queries generate a prompt box in which you can enter your search parameters. The query runs the search and all matching records are displayed. You may not have an exact word or search phrase, or you may want to pull all the records that begin with a certain letter in the field. If you want to search for only part of a word, you need to set up your parameter query using wildcard characters.

Instructions

1

Open your Microsoft Access database. Click the "Create" tab on the top ribbon. Choose the "Query Wizard" option from the "Queries" group.

2

Highlight "Simple Query Wizard" and click the "OK" button.

3

Click the drop-down box to designate a table or query on which to base your query. Add all the fields that you want shown in your query. Click the ">" button to add a field. Click "Next."

4

Name your query. Click the radio button next to "Modify the query design." Click the "Finish" button. Place your cursor in the "Criteria" row under the field you want to search.

5

Type this expression to place a wildcard at the end of the prompt (switch the two variables to place the wildcard at the beginning of the prompt):

Like [Type prompt here:] & "*"

6

Type this expression to place a wildcard before and after the prompt:

Like "*" & [Type prompt here:] & "*"

7

Click the "Run" button to run your query. Enter your parameters in the prompt box. Save your query when you are done.