Source Database

[Elaine]

Hello All,

I am trying to edit a table in my database called "Contacts". I am having
problems however every time I try to go into the design view. The error
message I see is:

"Table 'Contacts' is a linked table whose design can't be modified. If you
want to add or remove fields or change their properties or data types, you
must do so in the source database."

I have looked under relationships and see that there is no linked data.
What should I do to be able to edit this table again? Also what is the
source database and where do I find it?

Thank you so much!

 

[Duane Hookom]

Your Contacts table actually resides outside of your current mdb. You can use
the Linked table manager to identify the actual MDB that contains your table.
You must open the actual MDB to modify the design of the Contacts table.

 

[Elaine]

I am editing in my MDB- thats the problem. Also what is the linked table
manager? Does it help to know that I am using Microsoft Access 2007? How
can I fix the above error with me being in the MDB?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Barry A&P]

Elaine
if your "contacts" table icon is orange and has an arrow pointed at it the
table itself is located eslewhere. right clicl the "contacts" table icon and
open the linked table manager, the manager will show the address of the
actual table. if you no longer want the table at another location an easy fix
is to exit the linked table manager, BACKUP YOUR DATABASE, Rename the linked
"contacts" table to "contacts_old", right click the "contacts" table and
copy it, then Paste it below the linked table be sure to name it "contacts"
and select the option to paste as local table (format & Data).
good luck

 

[Elaine]

Thank you for your help Barry. The arrow next to my contacts is not orange.
I refreshed the link just in case and it was fine. Does anyone know what
Microsoft is talking about when they say "Source Database"? Thanks so much
in advance.

 

[Duane Hookom]

Access allows you to link tables from one MDB to another. For instance, you
could have tblA in A.MDB but link it into B.MDB. When opened in B.MDB, it
would seem just like any other table that might actually reside in B.MDB. It
would have a little arrow in the icon next to the table in B.MDB to indicate
the table is actually linked from some other datasource. "A.MDB" would be the
"Source Database". The source database in this case is MDB file that actually
stores the table and its records.

If you open A.MDB, you will be able to change its design.

This is generally very good design. You should consider storing your tables
in one "data" mdb file and creating all of your queries, code, forms,
reports,... in a "front-end" mdb.