MS ACCESS 2010
We have several mating parts for a customer that have "like" features. I'm trying to create a searchable database with specific searchable features, but be able to enter just a portion of the part number. I entered the code Like "*" & [Forms]![Feature Search]![PARTNUMBER] & "*" in the sort Query, this works fine as long as that's all that is in the Query. I have random part numbers entered. So sorting for the part number with a "Q" should be easy. But it only works if none of the other search criteria boxes in the query have anything in them. When I enter [Forms]![Feature Search]![Combo5] in the next box in the Sort Query the search comes back blank. If I enter Like "*"&[Forms]![Feature Search]![Combo5]&"*" in the next box it gives me everything that has part of drop down selection in it. If the drop down is .375, the search returns everything that has a "3" or a "7" of a "5" in it. I'm using specific search features so I shouldn't need to use the "like" command.
I need people to be able to leave a selection drop down table blank if they don't want to limit the sort by that selection, also be able to select several features to sort by. Then have those selections generate a printable report.
I have VERY little to no experience with ACCESS. Most of what I know I've picked up from video's on Youtube. Unfortunately most of the video's are old and I'm not finding anything specific to what I'm trying to do.

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Reply from Alex Hedley:

Check out the Search Seminar. This goes into great detail on how to have optional search options and building up multi field searches