Resource Dynamics, Inc.

Tele-Support HelpDesk Hot Tips

Question:

Is there a way to add additional Custom Inquiry Fields?

Answer:

Yes, there is a way to add more fields, but it is not documented or supported.  Also, there is no guarantee that it will continue to work with future releases of Helpdesk.  Here are the steps to use at your own discretion:

NOTE: Please be advised that these steps assume a working knowledge of MS Access.  Creating a backup copy of Helpdesk.mdb is highly recommended.

1.  Open Helpdesk.mdb with MS Access.  If you are using MS Access 2000 and have not converted the database, you will have to do so at this time.  Helpdesk will continue to work properly after converting the database to MS Access 2000.

2. Open the InqData table in Design View.  This is where the User Defined Inquiry Fields' data is stored and linked to the Inquiry.

3. Add additional fields as desired.  We suggest that you name additional fields using the same naming convention as with the existing fields. The field sizes and data types should be the same, as well.  Here are examples:

Field Name                   Data Type       Size

USERFLD_TEXT11     Text                 30

USERFLD_DATE06     Date/Time

USERFLD_NUM06      Number            Long Integer

4. Close the InqData table and answer 'Yes' that you want to save your changes.

5. Open the Fields table in Datasheet View.

6. Add the additional fields that have been added to the InqData table.  Again, it is recommended that you use the same naming convention for the PROMPT and FIELD_NAME fields as with the existing fields.

7. Close the Fields table.  Your changes will be saved.

Note.... when making changes to the database tables and/or fields, when you apply any updates or new version upgrades, the database structure will return to it's original default settings.  You will have to manually re-add your additional fields.