Why dont my query criteria work when I use an input mask to attach a prefix character to a field?
Some students use an input mask of (for example) the type M0000 in order to generate key values of M0001, M0002 etc, requiring the user only to enter 0001 and the mask will add the M. However, this prefix character (or it could be more than one character) does not exist in the database table, but only in the mask for the user to see for data entry. Therefore, when you have a criterion for a field like this you must enter only the numeric characters for your criterion. If the criterion uses a parameter field on a form then you could make this a combo/list box for the user to select from, or (for a textbox) set an input mask that automatically adds the prefix so that the user simply enters the numeric part. See also the Custom Keys example database.
