Need to copy text in a textbox with a control button

**Research RN** · 07-24-2009, 01:09 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, 06:15 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, 10:41 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, 01:00 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, 03:23 PM

Hi

maybe this will work for you

Enter the following on the click event of the Copy Button

Please Login or Register  to view this content.

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, 04:53 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, 04:29 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.