Linking an external query to a field in a form

[cfarri]

I have a form where the record source is a query joining several tables. There is a field for location (NationalGridReference). I have an external query (NGR_to_XY) which converts NationalGridReference to two numeric fields (X and Y). I want to have an X and a Y field in the form that automatically populate from NGR_to_XY. Whenever I join NGR_to_XY to the form's query it no longer allows editing of any fields in the form, although the X and Y fields are populated correctly.

How can I join the NGR_to_XY query and still be able to enter data into the form?

I did find this question but the solution uses VBA which I don't know how to use, is there a way that just uses regular design view? 

[#2 · Accepted solution]

suggest to not Join query NGR_to_XY to your original query in your form.
use DLookup() to retrieve the values from this query, therefore making your form updateable.

[#3]

Arnel's right. Don't even TRY to create editable queries from multiple underlying tables or queries unless you have very advanced SQL skills. The chances of such queries becoming non-editable grow quickly as more complexity is introduced.

[#4]

That's great, DLookup() works perfectly - thank you so much!