title: MS Access enter data in 1 field of a form that then produces a default predefined value in another field
body: <p>I am using MS Access 2007. </p>
  
  <p>I have a table within a database, the 3 fields of concern are:</p>
  
  <p>Field 1 = Date Location open (Date) </p>
  
  <p>Field 2 = Date Location closed (Date)</p>
  
  <p>Field 3 = Status (Text)</p>
  
  <p>I need guidance on the best method for the following:</p>
  
  <p>At form entry level as soon as a user enters a date in the date location open field,
  the Status field changes to display the text "Active" in its field.</p>
  
  <p>As soon as the user enters a date in the Date Location closed field the Status field changes from "Active" to "Inactive".</p>
  
  <p>This happens for each record added to the table.</p>
  
  <p>I have played around with various validation rules at table level hoping to have a rule or expression in place before I created the form. 
  That did not work I think it is at form level and maybe the answer is like this:</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.accessforums.net/forms/calculate-one-field-based-another-one-9373.html" rel="nofollow">Ms Access 1 field triggering data for another field</a></p>
  
  <p>Or should I look at generating code that declares 2 strings  "Active" and  "Inactive" then use IF Date Location open has Date value then add "Active" string to field.  </p>
  
  <p>Or am i overlooking the obvious and its as simple as a combo box....</p>