Set next auto number value

[thierry]

I have a table that already contains data.
I need to set a column to auto number but to avoid duplication of a value I
would need to set the next value manually.

It also seems I cannot change a column type from num to autonumber.

What are my options?
Thanks!

 

[Joan Wild]

You could create a copy of the structure of your table, add an autonumber
column, and remove your existing number column.

You can run an append query, appending the old table into the new (you can
append your number field in the old into the autonumber field in the new).