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Susan Harkins
(140 results)-
Downloads
10 tips for using wildcard characters in Microsoft Access criteria expressions
January 30, 2007, 12:00am PST
Wildcards come in handy when you need to locate records with similar data or you're trying to track down a specific record based on limited information. But if you don't use the right wildcard...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... fill Word form fields with Access data?
June 25, 2007, 12:00am PDT
Filling a Word form with Access data can be useful when you need to use Word's formatting features to present that data in just the right way. Fortunately, the process is simple, whether sharing...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Query foreign data using SQL Server's linked servers?
July 2, 2007, 12:00am PDT
Sometimes, the data you need is in a non-database format or resides on a different server. Fortunately, SQL Server is flexible enough to offer a number of ways to get it. One of the easiest...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Create and manage PowerPoint table data?
February 12, 2008, 12:00am PST
Tables are great for communicating and organizing data in a meaningful way. They're also efficient. However, in Microsoft PowerPoint, tables can be a bit troublesome because space is limited. Too...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Fill a Word table with Access data?
March 31, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Almost effortless collaboration is a key selling point for Microsoft Office: If the data already exists in one format, why re-enter it in another. Usually Office delivers nicely on its promise....
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Spice up a list in a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation?
May 13, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Most of us use bullets or numbers to introduce specific ideas or points. There's nothing wrong with them, but they are rather ordinary. In a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, you might want to...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 reasons why IT pros hate Microsoft Access (but really shouldn't)
July 24, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Microsoft Access may not be right for all situations, but it does have its place -- at least according to database expert Susan Harkins. Here's her take on some of the more common complaints she's...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to find out someone's e-mail address
November 21, 2008, 12:00am PST
It would be nice if you could just pull out a directory and look up the e-mail address of anyone you wanted to contact. Unfortunately, a bit more resourcefulness is required. Here's an assortment...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to improve your writing by self-editing
June 24, 2009, 12:00am PDT
If you want your writing to be polished, professional, and effective, you'll need to develop a system for reviewing your work with a critical eye. Here are some concrete steps you can take to...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 steps to creating a custom list for sorting in Excel: Demo files
February 6, 2013, 12:00am PST
These sample Excel workbooks (xls and xlsx versions) illustrate the custom sorting technique described in this 10 Things blog post.
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 ways to recover a corrupted Excel workbook
September 8, 2009, 12:00am PDT
When an Excel file goes haywire, don't give up hope. Using one of these recovery tricks, you may still be able to salvage the data.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to avoid drawing layer headaches in Word
August 27, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Word offers some decent drawing tools, but they don't always give you the results you expect. Susan Harkins unravels some of Word's drawing layer mysteries.This download is also available as an...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ things I can never find in Access 2007 and 2010
August 3, 2010, 12:00am PDT
Even after working a while with Access 2007 or 2010, you may be disoriented if you're used to earlier versions. Susan Harkins offers some help in locating the tools you need.This download is also...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Share a PowerPoint presentation for comments and changes?
February 27, 2008, 12:00am PST
Most of us don't have the creative expertise to create a professional presentation without a little help. Microsoft PowerPoint's advanced reviewing tools make it easy for everyone to collaborate...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Use PowerPoint's advanced animation to imply growth or movement
December 9, 2008, 12:00am PST
You can make your PowerPoint presentations far more engaging with a little animation sleight of hand. Susan Harkins walks through the process and shares a sample presentation to demonstrate the...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Use Excel's built-in features to simplify data entry
February 25, 2009, 12:00am PST
Entering data into a worksheet can be time-consuming, and mistakes often find their way in -- but with the right tools, both speed and accuracy can be improved. Here's a look at several Excel...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 steps to creating a numbered heading style in Word
March 30, 2010, 12:00am PDT
If you want to incorporate automatic numbering in your document headings, the quickest and most foolproof route is to create a custom style.This download is also available as an entry in our 10...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ tips for working efficiently in Access' Query Design window
April 3, 2007, 12:00am PDT
If you create Access queries, you probably know your way around the Query Design window. But there are some not-so-obvious tricks you can use to work more efficiently, maintain accuracy, and...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Print a single Microsoft Access record in Form View?
February 20, 2007, 12:00am PST
Microsoft Access lets users print data while browsing records in Form View, but it prints all of the records in the underlying recordset, not just the current one. By adding a command button, you...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Tools & Templates
Multi-scenario savings calculator
September 15, 2010, 12:00am PDT
Regardless of what you're saving up for, a worksheet with relevant calculations will help you stay on top of your plan. Walk through this technique to create your own calculator -- or just use...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Select records for a dynamic label report in Access?
November 6, 2007, 12:00am PST
Generating reports is a big part of most database applications. Generally, a query or filter does a good job of passing only the data you want to see to the report. But it isn't always that easy....
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 things that are [still] broken in Access 2007... and maybe in 2010
September 21, 2009, 12:00am PDT
In Access 2007, some things just don't work — and a few problems appear to be persisting in the 2010 Technical Preview.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ reasons to use Access (and a few reasons not to)
August 15, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Microsoft Access may not be the king of databases, but it does offer a number of advantages over solutions like SQL Server and Oracle in certain situations. Access guru Susan Harkins counts the...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 steps to shading alternate rows in a filtered worksheet
June 9, 2010, 12:00am PDT
Excel makes it easy to set up patterned shading -- unless you filter your data. This slick workaround prevents the filter from disrupting your shading scheme.This download is also available as an...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 ways to keep your messages out of spam filters
March 16, 2011, 12:00am PDT
Legitimate messages that get snagged by spam filters can lead to big problems -- such as derailed job searches, hard feelings, and lost business. These tips will help ensure that your messages...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Avoid e-mail spam using Outlook tools?
April 22, 2008, 12:00am PDT
As more and more spam finds your Inbox, it's harder to find legitimate mail. Regrettably, at least from the recipients' point of view, it looks like spam is here to stay. You can't keep spammers...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ tips for working In Outlook's Calendar view
October 21, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Outlook offers numerous calendaring features -- more than a lot of users know about. These pointers will help you tap into the most useful Outlook functionality.This download is also available as...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
37 keyboard shortcuts for moving faster in the Visual Basic Editor
August 7, 2009, 12:00am PDT
The Visual Basic Editor (VBE) is the development environment in the Microsoft Office applications. These keyboard shortcuts will help you work more efficiently while entering, viewing, and editing...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 steps to building a custom toolbar in Word
May 3, 2010, 12:00am PDT
This quick tutorial steps through the process of creating a Word toolbar to consolidate particular commands or execute specialized tasks.This download is also available as an entry in our...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
My 10 favorite Office tips of the year
December 27, 2010, 12:00am PST
During 2010, Susan Harkins wrote more than 200 tips to help Office users and the techs who support them. To wrap up the year, she's selected 10 of the ones she (and TR members) liked the most.This...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Print a label for an individual record in Microsoft Access?
September 24, 2007, 12:00am PDT
Printing labels using the Microsoft Access Label wizard is straightforward and relatively simple. But printing a label for a single record can be a bit more challenging. In this How do I..., Susan...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Create custom toolbar buttons in Outlook?
October 8, 2007, 12:00am PDT
Running a macro is simple: Select Tools | Macros, choose Macros from the resulting submenu, select the macro you want to run, and click Run. Simple, yes. Efficient, no. You could complete some...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Retrieve a random set of records in Microsoft Access?
October 11, 2007, 12:00am PDT
We usually think of data in sets of related values, but not always. Occasionally, you may need to supply someone with a set of unrelated records, retrieved completely at random. In this How do...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ tips for using Word's Track Changes feature for collaborative editing
April 30, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Editing is a tough job and not many of us do it well. Most likely, you'll want others to review important letters and reports to suggest changes and catch errors. Thanks to Word's Track Changes...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 ways to convince your boss to let you work from home
October 16, 2008, 12:00am PDT
There may be dozens of reasons why telecommuting makes sense for you. But to make your case with management, you need a list of reasons that make sense for the business. Here are some...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Avoid import glitches when bringing Excel data into Access
September 1, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Importing data from Excel to Access can be somewhat dicey. These pointers will help you prepare your data and sidestep common import problems.This download is also available as an entry in our...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How do I... Populate an Access list control with the results of a dynamic search?
July 30, 2007, 12:00am PDT
This tutorial and sample Access database will guide you through the process of setting up fixed queries to populate a list control with the query results. Using a list control provides events that...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 steps to creating a Word userform for addressing letters: Demo files
December 12, 2012, 12:00am PST
These sample Word templates (dot and dotm versions) illustrate the addressing technique described in this 10 Things blog post.
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Log errors in Microsoft Access with a simple function
October 31, 2008, 12:00am PDT
If you Google "error logging in Microsoft Access," you'll find a number of complex solutions. The process doesn't have to that difficult. Most of us need only a simple function to log specific...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 tips for sorting, grouping, and summarizing SQL data
November 6, 2006, 12:00am PST
Arranging data in a manner that's meaningful can be a challenge. Sometimes all you need is a simple sort. Often, you need more—you need groups you can analyze and summarize. Fortunately, SQL...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Avoid import glitches when bringing Excel data into Access
September 1, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Importing data from Excel to Access can be somewhat dicey. These pointers will help you prepare your data and sidestep common import problems.This download is also available as an entry in our...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to avoid drawing layer headaches in Word
August 27, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Word offers some decent drawing tools, but they don't always give you the results you expect. Susan Harkins unravels some of Word's drawing layer mysteries.This download is also available as an...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 ways to reference Excel workbooks and sheets using VBA
August 25, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Excel offers myriad options for referring to workbooks and sheets in your VBA code. See which methods make sense in which situations.This download is also available as an entry in our 10 Things blog.
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
37 keyboard shortcuts for moving faster in the Visual Basic Editor
August 7, 2009, 12:00am PDT
The Visual Basic Editor (VBE) is the development environment in the Microsoft Office applications. These keyboard shortcuts will help you work more efficiently while entering, viewing, and editing...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ tips for using Word as an XML editor
August 21, 2009, 12:00am PDT
XML makes it possible for you to extract, manipulate, store, and reuse data from any number of sources - and Word 2003 and 2007 provide tools for working with XML files. Here are a few pointers...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to improve your writing by self-editing
June 24, 2009, 12:00am PDT
If you want your writing to be polished, professional, and effective, you'll need to develop a system for reviewing your work with a critical eye. Here are some concrete steps you can take to...
Provided by Susan Harkins
-
Downloads
10+ tips for working smarter with SQL
June 11, 2009, 12:00am PDT
The sharper your SQL skills become, the more robust and error-free your solutions will be. Here are a dozen practical tips to get you started.This download is also available as an entry in our 10...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How to publish a PowerPoint presentation to the Web
May 29, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Putting a presentation on your Web site isn't terribly complicated -- but browser differences can pose a big gotcha. Here's a look at the publication process and the hurdles you may encounter.This...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 ADO best practices
May 27, 2009, 12:00am PDT
You can work more efficiently with data when you know how to take advantage of the ActiveX data objects (ADO) library. Susan Harkins offers some pointers that will help you use ADO objects...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Avoid costly errors by verifying cross-foot results in Excel
April 27, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Cross-footing can help keep your worksheet healthy, but comparing subtotals can only go so far. See how a simple IF function can alert you to problems with your data.This download is also...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to keep your Access database in tiptop shape
April 17, 2009, 12:00am PDT
A sluggish database can cost your money and waste users' time. Here are some maintenance tasks and general best practices to ensure your database is healthy and operating at peak efficiency.This...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 reasons to give Vista a chance
April 1, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Some tech pundits are calling Windows 7 'Vista done right,' but that's little consolation for users who will be staying with Vista for the foreseeable future. If you're in that boat, take heart:...
Provided by Susan Harkins and Drew Wutka
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Downloads
10 free security tools that actually work
March 30, 2009, 12:00am PDT
Plenty of solid products are available to help you protect your system -- and some of them don't cost a dime. Here's a list of some of the most popular and effective free tools for defending...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ Microsoft Office add-ins to simplify your work
March 16, 2009, 12:00am PDT
The right add-in can provide helpful features and make existing Office capabilities easier to use. Susan Harkins has rounded up a selection of handy add-ins for various Office applications.This...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 tips for securing a Microsoft Access database
February 26, 2009, 12:00am PST
A few best practices can go a long way toward protecting your Access data from careless or overly curious users. Here are some simple ways to add a few layers of security to a database.This...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Use Excel's built-in features to simplify data entry
February 25, 2009, 12:00am PST
Entering data into a worksheet can be time-consuming, and mistakes often find their way in -- but with the right tools, both speed and accuracy can be improved. Here's a look at several Excel...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ IT pros share the utilities and tools they can't live without
February 4, 2009, 12:00am PST
One way to make your job a little easier is to find out which tools other IT pros rely on -- and then try them out for yourself. Susan Harkins extracted a list of favorite tools from 13 IT pros,...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Working more efficiently with Word 2007's new building blocks
February 3, 2009, 12:00am PST
With Word 2007's building blocks, you can assemble consistently formatted documents in a snap. Susan Harkins explains how to use built-in elements, such as headers, footers, and cover pages, and...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How to print multiple labels for a single record in Access
February 2, 2009, 12:00am PST
Label printing is often more complex than generating a single label for each record. Users might need one label for multiple records or multiple labels for one record -- or something in between....
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ air travel tips for IT pros
January 20, 2009, 12:00am PST
Flying has become trickier than it once was -- especially if you're packing a laptop and other electronic gadgetry. Here's some basic advice, along with a few pointers for traveling techs, to help...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ basic Microsoft Outlook support issues
December 22, 2008, 12:00am PST
Outlook offers a number of benefits, but it tends to throw the occasional obstacle in your path. Armed with the right information and a few tricks, you can smooth the way for your Outlook users --...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Use PowerPoint's advanced animation to imply growth or movement
December 9, 2008, 12:00am PST
You can make your PowerPoint presentations far more engaging with a little animation sleight of hand. Susan Harkins walks through the process and shares a sample presentation to demonstrate the...
Provided by Susan Harkins
-
Downloads
10 commands you may want to add to the Office 2007 Quick Access Toolbar
November 24, 2008, 12:00am PST
If the Office 2007 Ribbon has you pulling your hair out, a little customization may ease the pain. Susan Harkins explains how to put your frequently needed or hard to find items on the Quick...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Add a looping introduction to a PowerPoint presentation
November 24, 2008, 12:00am PST
You can set up your slideshows to include a little preview presentation that will help prime your audience for the main event. Susan Harkins demonstrates this simple but highly effective...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to find out someone's e-mail address
November 21, 2008, 12:00am PST
It would be nice if you could just pull out a directory and look up the e-mail address of anyone you wanted to contact. Unfortunately, a bit more resourcefulness is required. Here's an assortment...
Provided by Susan Harkins
-
Downloads
Log errors in Microsoft Access with a simple function
October 31, 2008, 12:00am PDT
If you Google "error logging in Microsoft Access," you'll find a number of complex solutions. The process doesn't have to that difficult. Most of us need only a simple function to log specific...
Provided by Susan Harkins
-
Downloads
10+ ways to help your users transition to Outlook 2007
October 29, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Unlike the other Office 2007 apps, the Outlook 2007 interface isn't likely to throw users into a panic. But you'll still need to help them get up to speed with new features and show them how to...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
How to list the primary key columns in an Access table
October 28, 2008, 12:00am PDT
You can get a list of the columns in a primary key manually, but depending on the task, you may want to handle it programmatically instead. Susan Harkins shares a VBA function that uses ADOX...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Quickly export Outlook e-mail items to Excel
October 20, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Exporting e-mail messages from Outlook to Excel is easier than you might think. This technique uses sample VBA code to automate the process, allowing you to specify exactly which fields to...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 ways to convince your boss to let you work from home
October 16, 2008, 12:00am PDT
There may be dozens of reasons why telecommuting makes sense for you. But to make your case with management, you need a list of reasons that make sense for the business. Here are some...
Provided by Susan Harkins
-
Downloads
10 ways to get more mileage from your Office hyperlinks
September 29, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Hyperlinks are now a standard fixture in Office documents, but many users don't know much beyond how to click on them. Susan Harkins has rounded up an assortment of tweaks for fine-tuning the...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Generate a descending-order numbered list in Word
September 25, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Word can't automatically produce a numbered list that counts down instead of up. But with the help of a bookmark and some fields, you can work around that limitation.This download is also...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ tips for combating Computer Vision Syndrome
September 18, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Recent studies indicate that those who spend even a few hours a day working on a computer could suffer significant vision problems. Susan Harkins offers an overview of symptoms and causes and then...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Keep supporting details handy for your PowerPoint presentations
August 29, 2008, 12:00am PDT
When someone raises a question during your presentation, you can try to wing it -- or you can smoothly bring up an ancillary slide that clarifies the issue. Having a few extra slides up your...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Return to the record you were working on when you reopen an Access form
August 28, 2008, 12:00am PDT
If you get interrupted while working on a record in an Access form, finding your way back to it can be time-consuming. Here are two ways to bookmark the current record so that you can hop straight...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ ways to help your users transition to Word 2007
August 26, 2008, 12:00am PDT
If you're one Word 2007 support call away from a nervous breakdown, these tips may help. Susan Harkins addresses the most common areas of confusion and offers practical advice for helping users...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10+ reasons to use Access (and a few reasons not to)
August 15, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Microsoft Access may not be the king of databases, but it does offer a number of advantages over solutions like SQL Server and Oracle in certain situations. Access guru Susan Harkins counts the...
Provided by Susan Harkins
-
Downloads
10+ tips for upsizing an Access database to SQL Server
July 31, 2008, 12:00am PDT
When the time comes to migrate your Access database to SQL Server, you could be in for a bumpy ride. These suggestions will help you sidestep problems -- or at least wrestle them into...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
Create a custom letterhead template in Word
July 30, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Printing your own stationery can save you significant bucks -- you can print on an as-needed basis and make changes whenever you want without incurring any charges. Susan Harkins explains what you...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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Downloads
10 reasons why IT pros hate Microsoft Access (but really shouldn't)
July 24, 2008, 12:00am PDT
Microsoft Access may not be right for all situations, but it does have its place -- at least according to database expert Susan Harkins. Here's her take on some of the more common complaints she's...
Provided by Susan Harkins
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