Need to copy text in a textbox with a control button

**Research RN** · 07-24-2009, 02:09 PM

I’m a research coordinator for a neurosurgeon and I’m trying to create a research database in Access 2003 using data from a bunch of old Excel worksheets that he has lying around. Once it’s up and running, the data in the Access database will have to be updated on a regular basis. This may require looking up 100-150 patients a day in the hospital’s computer system.

The hospital’s system requires the patient’s name to be entered all on one line: last name, first name middle initial. I ’ve created text box on my data entry form that arranges the patient’s name in that order. In order to look up a patient’s record I have to click on the combined name textbox, highlight the text, and hit ctrl-c. I then plunk it into the name field in the hospital’s system using ctr-v and hit enter

What would really speed things up is if I had a control button that when I clicked on it the text in the combined name textbox would be copied to the clipboard all in one motion. I’ve created the control button, but I have no idea how to write the macro or whatever that will control it.

I’ve attached a sample database so you can see what I’m talking about. Thanks.

**darbid** · 07-27-2009, 07:15 AM

As far as I know you will need to use the Windows API to use the clipboard - Whether or not I am right here is an example http://www.mvps.org/access/api/api0049.htm

**Research RN** · 07-29-2009, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by darbid

As far as I know you will need to use the Windows API to use the clipboard - Whether or not I am right here is an example http://www.mvps.org/access/api/api0049.htm

You're going to have to be patient with me. I'm just a nurse. What is Windows API? How do I use the code in the link you gave?

Thanks

**Research RN** · 07-30-2009, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by Research RN

You're going to have to be patient with me. I'm just a nurse. What is Windows API? How do I use the code in the link you gave?

Thanks

Oh well....

**qff** · 07-30-2009, 04:23 PM

Hi

maybe this will work for you

Enter the following on the click event of the Copy Button

Code:

Me.Text13.SetFocus
DoCmd.RunCommand acCmdCopy

This moves the focus back to the combined name text box and then copies it.

You should then be able to paste into another application. I only tested with Excel, Notepad and Google but it seems to work.

good luck
qff

**darbid** · 08-03-2009, 05:53 AM

Originally Posted by Research RN

I'm just a nurse.

Only cause you wrote this.

see the attached. Now once you click your button. Whatever is in text13 will be saved to your clipboard and ctrl v will then paste it where you want.

You should also note there may be simpler ways of doing it.

**Research RN** · 08-04-2009, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by darbid

Only cause you wrote this.

see the attached. Now once you click your button. Whatever is in text13 will be saved to your clipboard and ctrl v will then paste it where you want.

You should also note there may be simpler ways of doing it.

That is brilliant! Thanks so much.