Data type and relationships

[Ruth]

First, I'm a beginner. Second I'm working with a database that has already
been set up. However, I'm trying to enter text into a numeric field. How can
I change this? I tried changing the data type, but it won't let me because
it's connected to several relationships.

Please Help.

 

[Rick B]

Sounds like you'd have to remove the relationships, fix all your fields,
then rebuild the relationships. I would be certain that I wanted to change
the field to text first (how long have they been using it as numeric, and
why did it change?)

I'd also make a backup first.

 

[Jeff Boyce]

Ruth

I'm with Rick - why?

Can you give an example of what used to be stored, and what you want to
store now?

Is there a reason you can't just add a new field to hold the new text value?
Will adding a new text value result in redundant data being stored?

A detailed description helps us offer detailed suggestions.

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP

 

[Ruth]

Ruth

I'm with Rick - why?

Can you give an example of what used to be stored, and what you want to
store now?

Is there a reason you can't just add a new field to hold the new text value?
Will adding a new text value result in redundant data being stored?

A detailed description helps us offer detailed suggestions.

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP

 

[Ruth]

Hi,

We use the database to track museum pests. The numeric field contains the #
traps. However, I want to change it to reflect a room and location code (ie.
Rm01 -- AA) so that when I add new traps and generate reports, all the traps
will be in order. We also took this database from another museum, with all
the data deleted.

Would it be easier to delete the field entirely and replace it with a new
text-base one? If so, how would I go about doing that?

 

[Jeff Boyce]

Ruth

I'm not sure what you mean by "the # traps".

If you want to track "room" and "location" information, add fields to do
this. These are separate data elements, and each deserves its own field.

I'm still a bit fuzzy on the overall data model you are using. For example,
can a trap be used in more than one place (historical info)? Can a room
have more than one location? Do traps get retired/replaced?

If you describe a bit more about your situation, the newsgroup readers may
be able to offer alternate approaches.

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP