Using the Database Wizard

Access includes a variety of templates to help you get started with some of the most common types of databases. Templates include databases to manage contacts, expenses, and inventory. Once you select a template to use, the Database Wizard will ask you a series of questions about your data to tailor the template to your specific needs. When the Wizard is finished, you'll have an empty database structure into which you can start entering data.

To start a new database using the Database Wizard:

1. Click the On my computer... link in the Templates section of the New File task pane.
2. If necessary, click the Databases tab.
3. Click an icon to select a template, then click OK.
4. Type a file name for your database.
5. Read each screen carefully. Click Next to go to the next step.
6. The first step will present you with a list of tables that will be in your database. Some tables have optional fields. To add a field, click the check box in front of the field's name. If you change your mind and want to remove a field from your database, click the check box to remove the checkmark. Don't worry - Access won't let you remove fields that are required.
7. Next, you'll select a graphic style for screen display and another style for printed reports.
8. Finally, you'll give the database a title and build the database.

Microsoft offers a wide variety of additional templates free. Click the Templates on Office Online link in the New File task pane to go to the Web site. You'll need a working Internet connection to access this web site.

The most recently used templates will appear in the New File task pane. Click a recently used template to start the Database Wizard without opening the Templates dialog box.