How do I get two databases into one: same fields, just more data

[Guest]

I was entering a lot of data on an Access database stored
on my harddrive. I did a copy and paste of that database
and put it on a shared drive so that someone else could
help me enter the information in the database. Now I have
to get these into one database. Not clear on how to do it.
Do I use replicate, import????
Thanks

 

[John Vinson]

I was entering a lot of data on an Access database stored
on my harddrive. I did a copy and paste of that database
and put it on a shared drive so that someone else could
help me enter the information in the database. Now I have
to get these into one database. Not clear on how to do it.
Do I use replicate, import????
Thanks

It depends. Do any of your tables have Autonumbers (particularly
sequential Autonumbers), and are they used to link to other tables? If
so you're in real trouble, since the two independent databases will
have assigned DIFFERENT records the SAME autonumber, and it can be a
real mess figuring out which record is which.

It's too late for replication - this is just the situation replication
is designed to handle, but you need to replicate the database FIRST,
give each user a replica (keeping the design master safe), and
synchronize the replicas. The fields and tables that enable this are
created when you replicate the database.

If your tables are relatively simple and you're lucky, you should be
able to use File... Get External Data... Link to link to the second
database, and then run an Append query to append the records from the
other table onto the end of your table. If there is an autonumber
field (one that is NOT linked to any other tables!) then just append
everything except that field; new records will get their own new
autonumber values.

If you do have linked tables... this can be a REAL pain in the neck.
Post back with table structures if you need help.

 

[Guest]

-----Original Message-----


It depends. Do any of your tables have Autonumbers (particularly
sequential Autonumbers), and are they used to link to other tables? If
so you're in real trouble, since the two independent databases will
have assigned DIFFERENT records the SAME autonumber, and it can be a
real mess figuring out which record is which.

It's too late for replication - this is just the situation replication
is designed to handle, but you need to replicate the database FIRST,
give each user a replica (keeping the design master safe), and
synchronize the replicas. The fields and tables that enable this are
created when you replicate the database.

If your tables are relatively simple and you're lucky, you should be
able to use File... Get External Data... Link to link to the second
database, and then run an Append query to append the records from the
other table onto the end of your table. If there is an autonumber
field (one that is NOT linked to any other tables!) then just append
everything except that field; new records will get their own new
autonumber values.

If you do have linked tables... this can be a REAL pain in the neck.
Post back with table structures if you need help.


.

Thank you, you saved me. I was able to do the append. It
was just one small table. Actually, the only table so far
in the database. I am one those IT people with 11 years of
experience who lost their jobs due to outsourcing. Of
course, we all skim a book on Access and go into an
interview and say "yeah,,,I have experience with
Access"......so far it has been easy to pick up...but once
in a while I do something wrong that I can't get out of. I
am going to read thru my Microsoft Access book this weekend.

Thanks

 

[John Vinson]

Thank you, you saved me. I was able to do the append. It
was just one small table. Actually, the only table so far
in the database. I am one those IT people with 11 years of
experience who lost their jobs due to outsourcing. Of
course, we all skim a book on Access and go into an
interview and say "yeah,,,I have experience with
Access"......so far it has been easy to pick up...but once
in a while I do something wrong that I can't get out of. I
am going to read thru my Microsoft Access book this weekend.

Thanks

Glad to be able to help... and as for the job situation, a wry grin
from a fellow sufferer. Best of luck, and don't hesitate to come back
to the newsgroup - we're all in this together!