ACC: Cannot Group by Memo or OLE Object Fields in Query

If you attempt to create a select, update, or append query that groups by a Memo field or OLE Object field, you may receive the following error message:

Microsoft Access cannot group by a Memo field or OLE Object field in a query. Also, the GROUP BY clause of a SQL statement cannot include Memo or OLE Object fields.

To include a Memo or OLE object field in a totals query, drag the field to the QBE grid and select the aggregate (totals) function First() or Last() in the Total row for that field.

You can group by the first <n> characters in a Memo field by using an expression. To group by the first 25 characters in a Memo field called Description, follow these steps:

1. Enter the following expression in the QBE grid:
   
   Expr:Left([Description],25)
2. Click the Totals button on the toolbar.
3. In the Total row, select Group By.
4. Switch to Datasheet view. Note that "Expr" is the column header, and no error message appears.