Access too many fields defined in a table

S

Sandy K

Hi:
I have "inherited" a database that has the main table maxed at 256 fields
defined.
Is there an easy way to clean up this mess?

Thanks

Sandy
 
T

tina

well, i doubt that anyone can give you specific suggestions on how to "clean
up" an undefined "mess". are you having specific problems that need to be
resolved? as for general comments: it is a safe bet that the tables are not
normalized, if you have one with 256 fields in it. unfortunately, there is
no easy way to clean up an non-normalized database - once you change that
foundation, the structures on top of it will also have to be rebuilt in
order to work.

i find that it's usually easier and quicker in the long run to start from
scratch: analyze the work process to be supported, and build a new database
that meets those needs. if you do it correctly, the result will almost
surely be a more efficient database that runs better, and is easier to use,
maintain, and modify for future needs.

hth
 
S

Sandy K

I was beginning to feel like that may be the answer. Since, the current users
are struggling, I may just have to let them continue on with their current
mess until I can create a new one.

Thanks for the input.

Sandy K
 
T

tina

you're welcome, Sandy. these newsgroups will be a great resource for you if
find yourself needing help in resolving specific development problems; there
are a number of very skilled and experienced developers who regularly
volunteer their time here.

also, below is a webpage with links to simply tons of useful resources from
online articles, to books, to code snips, to downloadable sample databases -
and ranging from basic to advanced topics.

http://www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/JCReferences.html

good luck, and while you're toiling to build your masterpiece, remember that
once you finish it and deploy it to your users, they will put you on a
pedestal and bow at your feet (this usually lasts until the first glitch
pops up) - and immediately begin to beseige you with requests for more
magic! <g>

hth
 
L

Lynn Trapp

good luck, and while you're toiling to build your masterpiece, remember
that
once you finish it and deploy it to your users, they will put you on a
pedestal and bow at your feet (this usually lasts until the first glitch
pops up) - and immediately begin to beseige you with requests for more
magic! <g>
Click to expand...

WOW! Your end users bow at your feet? All mine ever did was ask why it
didn't do something they didn't ask for in their original specs...LOL

--
Lynn Trapp
MS Access MVP
www.ltcomputerdesigns.com
Access Security: www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/Security.htm
Jeff Conrad's Big List: www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/JCReferences.html
 
T

tina

LOL, yeah, been there too! your users are actually giving you a compliment,
Lynn - they automatically assume you're going to work miracles. while mine,
on the other hand, are amazed that i actually built the application they're
using... <bg>
 
T

tina

maybe, but i don't mind. it's much easier to come off the hero when nobody
expects it. <g> after all, when a child who's a C student brings home an A-,
her parents practically throw a party for her; when an A student brings home
the same A-, her parents ask her why she didn't do better. 99% of success in
relationships (including business ones) is based on meeting or exceeding the
other party's expectations; if i'm going to give my best db development
effort regardless, i'd rather be treated like the C student than the A
student - the end product is the same, but me and my customer both come away
happier! <bg>
 
S

Sandy K

Interesting theory there. I have experienced the C/A student syndrome myself.
I am new to this company and am working my way through the maze of chain of
command issues and because their expectations were low, I was dazzling them.
Now that I have been there for a little over two years, they are beginning to
expect the magic with everything that I do. Sometimes I think that I should
turn down the competence factor so that they do not forget the kudos verbally
and monetarily. I am a customer service rep with this company and got roped
into the database mess because the original "creators" have left. I took this
on as a mental challenge--more for the fun than anything else. Now that I
have corrected some of the most urgent problems, they have come up with a
huge to do list. I've just upped the ante on those and will be presenting the
proposal to scrap the old and create a new database. We'll see how much they
have confidence in me now.

Thanks again for your input. It's great to know that there are people out
there willing to help those that have been thrown into the mix.

Have a great week!
Sandy K
 
T

tina

you're very welcome, Sandy, and best of luck to you. remember the newsgroups
are always here when you need help with those thorny problems! :)
 
N

Nikos Yannacopoulos

It's funny how expectations seem to breach one of nature's fundamental
laws: continuity. It seems when they change they tend to jump from zero
to infinity (and vice versa!), never passing through intermediate
levels. The lesson learnt is that the biggest challenge for the
developer is to manage expectations!
 

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