Change key ID data type

[Walter Donavan]

Brand new to Access 2002. First time I've ever used Access, although I've
had it for years.

Designing a personal database to track my software and its related CDs and
books. I set up three tables: Software, CDs, Books. I created a form
(Software) with two SubForms (CDs, Books). The common element between all
three tables is SoftwareID, currently an AutoNumber integer.

Question: How can I change the SoftwareID data type from AutoNumber to Text
in the Software table and then in the other two?

Access won't let me change it because I set up a relationship (one to many)
between this table and the other two. It balks even when I delete the
relationship between the tables and restart the program.

??

 

[PC Datasheet]

Access balks because you did it correctly originally and now you want to change
it! Access is trying to tell you the old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix
it".

 

[Walter Donavan]

If I had wanted it to stay an AutoNumber integer, I wouldn't have tried to
change it. Remember, I said I was brand new at this and I want my design to
be suitable for me before I enter hundreds of CDs. I want ProgramID to be a
text value, so I can use values like "WIN2KFULL" instead of "0037." Perhaps
this did not occur to you.

I will follow the links you provided. Meanwhile, if anyone is willing to
answer the question without the value judgment, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Walter Donavan]

P.S.: Your link was useless. Just a commercial. "Coming soon!" Really!

 

[Rick Brandt]

Brand new to Access 2002. First time I've ever used Access, although I've
had it for years.

Designing a personal database to track my software and its related CDs and
books. I set up three tables: Software, CDs, Books. I created a form
(Software) with two SubForms (CDs, Books). The common element between all
three tables is SoftwareID, currently an AutoNumber integer.

Question: How can I change the SoftwareID data type from AutoNumber to Text
in the Software table and then in the other two?

Access won't let me change it because I set up a relationship (one to many)
between this table and the other two. It balks even when I delete the
relationship between the tables and restart the program.

If you delete the relationships ship first it should then allow you to
change the type. Are you sure the relationships are being deleted?

If nothing else make a copy of the table, change the new copy, then delete
and replace the original.

 

[PC Datasheet]

Hey Jerk!!

In your original post you said you were using SoftwareID now your saying
ProgramID. Your showing that you just don't know what you are talking about.
Your tables should look like:

TblSoftware
SoftwareID
SoftwareTitle
<Whatever other fields you need>

TblCD
CDID
SoftwareID
<Whatever other fields you need>

TblBook
BookID
SoftwareID
<Whatever other fields you need>

"WIN2KFULL" is then the software title not the primary key.

Keep your ignorance to yourself!