Microsoft Office

Using Microsoft Query with External Database Files 33
FIGURE 33.13
Display the Criteria pane as shown here so that you’ll be able to create your query.
The Query window has three panes, which are split horizontally:
n
n
Tables pane: The top pane, which holds the selected data tables for the database. Each data table
window has a list of the fields in the table.
Criteria pane: The middle pane, which holds the criteria that determine the rows that the query
returns.
n Data pane: The bottom pane, which holds the data that passes the criteria.
Creating a query consists of the following steps:
1. Drag fields from the Tables pane to the Data pane. You can drag as many fields as you want.
These fields are the columns that the query will return. You can also double-click a field instead
of dragging it.
2. Enter criteria in the Criteria pane. When you activate this pane, the first row (labeled Criteria
Field) displays a drop-down list that contains all the field names. Select a field and enter the criteria
below it. Query updates the Data pane automatically, treating each row like an OR operator.
3. Choose File ➪ Return Data to Microsoft Excel to execute the query and place the data in a
worksheet or pivot table.
Figure 33.14 shows how the query for the example presented earlier in this chapter appears in Query.
TIP
Double-click a criteria box to display the Edit Criteria dialog box, which enables you to select
an operator and value.
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