In my access database, I have a "states" table with 3 columns, ID number (sequential, used as primary key), name of the state, and the states' abbreviation. I am using "import external data" in excel to pull data weekly via a query. One of the variables in access is called "index state". It is a combo box and shows a pick-list (drop down) of states' abbreviations using the following:

SELECT States.ID, States.Abbreviation FROM States (defined in access table);

When I run the query in access, if the record has AL in the "index state" field, it will show up as AL when the query is executed. The problem is when data are exported to excel via the query. Instead of showing AL, it will show "1" (show the ID number, rather than the state's abbreviation in excel); if the field has AK, the excel spreadsheet will show "2", etc...

I appreciate any help in fixing this!

Thank you!!