Modifying and existing database

[Sue]

I have a task of modifying a database that has some
problems. There is an age field in a table. Somehow the
database is calculating categories- infant, youth, and
adult. But the categories are not what is required for
the reports (For example infant 0-2 instead of 0-4)

I want to fix the problem, but the fields are not named-
just field1, field2, etc. This makes it difficult for me
to find the age field in the queries, where the filter or
calculated field is probably located. How can I safely
change names, so that the queries still work?
Do I use the documenter to see what we have now, then
proceed from there? Do I import a table and query into a
mock up database and experiment? I'm new at this, any
suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Steve Schapel]

Sue,

This is a tricky one, because there are so many ways to skin a cat.
However, the chances are that the calculations of the age group
categories is being done within queries. If you look at the
RecordSource property of one of the applicable reports, this may point
you to the name of the query, and then looking at the design of this
query may show you how the age groupings are being arrived at.

As regards the field names, do you mean that these are the names of
fields in your tables? I believe that if the Name AutoCorrect
facility is On (Tools|Options|General), changing a field name in the
table will result in this also being automatically changed in queries,
but not if this field is part of a calculated field in the query.
Experiment with a backup copy of your database! There are some
third-party tools available that would help you to see how it all
hangs together, for example Total Access Analyzer from www.fmsinc.com.
But depending on how complex the database is, in the end it may be
easier to start from scratch.

- Steve Schapel, Microsoft Access MVP

 

[Sue]

Thank You! That helps alot, especially looking for the
RecordSource from the Report, and Copying the database!