Input masks not being displayed

I'm a newbee to Access 2002 and I'm trying to figure out how to use input
masks. After I create an input mask (e.g., using the input mask wizard), I
cannot get the mask to show up on any forms or on the Datasheet view. For
example:

* I create a blank database (e.g., db1.mdb) and then select "Objects |
Tables | Create table in Design view."

* I create the first field as an AutoNumber field with a Field Name of "ID"
and I designate it as the Primary Key.

* I create a second field as a Text field named "PhoneNumber". On the
General tab for this field I specify the following Input Mask value:

!(999) 000-0000;;_

* I save the table as "Table1".

* I select "View | Datasheet view" from the main menu. When Table1 is
displayed using the Datasheet view, the specified input mask for the
PhoneNumber column is not displayed, even when a cell in the PhoneNumber
column is selected for input.

Likewise, any forms I create based on this table do not show the specified
input mask.

So what am I missing here? Why are the input masks not being displayed? Tia...

Jim

The input masks will only show the place holder you have selected. When
incorrect data is added to a field with an input mask it will only check
against it not show it.

M.

"jfischer_5809" wrote in message
...
I'm a newbee to Access 2002 and I'm trying to figure out how to use input
masks. After I create an input mask (e.g., using the input mask wizard), I
cannot get the mask to show up on any forms or on the Datasheet view. For
example:

* I create a blank database (e.g., db1.mdb) and then select "Objects |
Tables | Create table in Design view."

* I create the first field as an AutoNumber field with a Field Name of
"ID"
and I designate it as the Primary Key.

* I create a second field as a Text field named "PhoneNumber". On the
General tab for this field I specify the following Input Mask value:

!(999) 000-0000;;_

* I save the table as "Table1".

* I select "View | Datasheet view" from the main menu. When Table1 is
displayed using the Datasheet view, the specified input mask for the
PhoneNumber column is not displayed, even when a cell in the PhoneNumber
column is selected for input.

Likewise, any forms I create based on this table do not show the specified
input mask.

So what am I missing here? Why are the input masks not being displayed?
Tia...

Jim