Export error

In my access database, I have a "states" table with 3 columns, ID number
(sequential, used as primary key), name of the state, and the states'
abbreviation. I am using "import external data" in excel to pull data
weekly via a query. One of the variables in access is called "index
state". It is a combo box and shows a pick-list (drop down) of states'
abbreviations using the following:

SELECT States.ID, States.Abbreviation FROM States (defined in access
table);

When I run the query in access, if the record has AL in the "index
state" field, it will show up as AL when the query is executed. The
problem is when data are exported to excel via the query. Instead of
showing AL, it will show "1" (show the ID number, rather than the
state's abbreviation in excel); if the field has AK, the excel
spreadsheet will show "2", etc...

I appreciate any help in fixing this!

Thank you!!




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sunflowergarden