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# The Hard Truth About Message Boxes in Microsoft Access
- URL: https://nolongerset.com/users-and-dialogs/
- Published: 2023-05-11T03:26:31.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-08T12:50:00.000Z
- Description: Just because you know it's true, that doesn't make it any less frustrating.
- Author: Mike Wolfe
- Tags: Form Design, #Import 2026-05-20 02:59

## Users Read As Little As Possible

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/d7/ebd732c1-5f03-4f07-b386-5d08557e15c9/content/images/2023/05/image-11.png)](https://youtu.be/s99ZeamF7J0)

I pick Number Three.

Most users ignore message boxes unless they have to make a choice.

Users almost **never read** the text in a dialog box with **only an \[OK\] button**.

In a dialog with **two or more buttons**, users will:

1. Take action based on the **button captions** if possible
2. Otherwise take action based on the button captions and **title** if possible
3. Otherwise take action based on **skimming** the dialog text
4. If all else fails, actually **read the full message**

## Moral of the Story

Avoid \[OK\] only dialog boxes.

Keep your dialog messages clear and concise.

Explore alternatives such as [task dialogs](https://nolongerset.com/modern-message-boxes/) or custom Access forms.

Consider keeping a log of the messages your program displays. (*For debugging purposes and to respond to the inevitable, "I never saw that message!" protests from users.)*