About using the asterisk in the query design grid

To include all fields from a table in a query, you can either select each field individually or use the asterisk (*) wildcard character. Selecting the asterisk has an advantage over selecting all the fields: When you use the asterisk, the query results automatically include any fields that are added to the underlying table or query after the query is created, and automatically exclude fields that are deleted.

When you use the asterisk, you must add fields along with the asterisk to the design grid before you can sort records or specify criteria for those fields.

When you drag more than one field at a time, Microsoft Access places each field in a separate column. If you drag the asterisk to the grid, Microsoft Access places the table or query name in one column and attaches a period and asterisk to the name (for example, Categories.*). After either operation, the datasheet looks the same.

If you type an asterisk in the Field row rather than dragging it, you must type the table name also. For example, type Customers.*.

The asterisk includes all fields from a table in a query