Show a Message and Timestamp When an Access Combo Box Changes
Question details
Display a message for a particular combo box selection and record a timestamp whenever the selection changes.
- Product
- Microsoft Access 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- An Access form uses a combo box to select a status and needs to track when that status changes.
- Observed behavior
- The form should show a message for the specified status and update a date/time field after each selection change.
Open the form in Design View and check the combo box name, Row Source, and Bound Column on its Property Sheet. Confirm that the form has a control bound to a Date/Time field for the change timestamp.
Use the combo box After Update event
Run VBA after the selection changes to show a conditional message and update the timestamp.
The condition must compare the combo box's bound value, which may differ from the text displayed in the list. Replace the example control names and message with your own.
Open the form in Design View, select the status combo box, and open the Property Sheet. On the Event tab, find After Update.
Choose [Event Procedure] for After Update, then click the ellipsis (...) button to open the VBA editor.
Between the Private Sub and End Sub lines, enter: If Me.Status = "Cancelled or No Longer Needed" Then MsgBox "Your message here" End If Me.StatusChangedAt = Now() Replace Status and StatusChangedAt with your combo box and timestamp control names.
Save the VBA code and form, switch to Form View, and change the combo box selection. Check that the message appears for the specified value and the timestamp updates for each change; save the record to retain the timestamp.
Use WPS Office for Everyday Document and Spreadsheet Work
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface and support for common Microsoft Office formats, making it easy to move everyday files. It does not replace Access or run Access forms and their VBA events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the message appear for the selected status?
In Design View, check the combo box's Row Source and Bound Column on the Property Sheet. The stored value may be a numeric ID, such as 5, rather than the displayed status text.
Where should the timestamp field be added?
Add a Date/Time field to the underlying table, then add a control bound to that field to the form. Use that control's name in the After Update procedure.
Does the timestamp update only for the status that shows the message?
No. In the example, Me.StatusChangedAt = Now() is outside the If block, so it runs after any change to the combo box selection.
Will the timestamp be stored automatically?
The timestamp is retained when the bound record is saved. In Form View, save the record after changing the selection and confirm the timestamp remains when you return to it.
