Finding information in a database would be like finding a needle in a haystack if it weren’t for Access’s Find feature. The Find feature allows you to quickly search tables, queries, and forms for specified text.
The Find command in Access is similar to the Find command in other Office programs, but it contains some additional features as well. For example, you can choose to match part or all the data in a field.
If you want to limit your search within a specific field, click its column header or a cell in that column and click Find. Then, click the Look In list arrow and select Current field. Alternatively, select Current document to broaden your search.
Finding or replacing data in a form works the same way as in a table, except that you select controls to search instead of fields. When you use the Find command in a form, Access is searching the underlying table.
You can find, but not replace, data in query results.
To find wildcard characters, type an opening bracket ([), the wildcard character you want to find, and a closing bracket (]) in the Find What field. For example, you would type [*] to find all instances of an asterisk.
Using the Match List Options
Whole Field
Finds only data that is exactly the same. Example: John finds John, but not Johnson, or Sue and John.
Any Part of a Field
Finds data anywhere in the field. Example: John finds John, Johnson, and Sue and John.
Start of a Field
Finds data only at the beginning of the field. Example: John finds John and Johnson, but not Sue and John.