too many fields defined access table

[Sandy K]

Hi:
I have "inherited" a database that has the main table maxed at 256 field
defined.
Any suggestions on how to clean this mess up easily?

Thanks

Sandy K

 

[Duane Hookom]

Start analyzing and normalizing.

 

[Sandy K]

I tried to do that, but apparently multiple unqualified people have worked on
this database over the past two years and linked tables to non-existing
sources. Every time I try to isolate the problems, it becomes a tangled up
mess. They never even created sufficient relationships or switchboards. It's
quite a challenge. Unfortunately the whole company is currently using this
mess as a tracking system. Over 30 forms involved and a lot of computer
illiterate people that will go into cardiac arrest if I change too much at
one time. Sorry if I sound like I'm whining. When this was created, no one
even new how to create a report or report. Every time they needed to extract
information that made a completely new query instead of modifying what they
had. There are over 300 queries and probably that many macros--someone didn't
underestand the difference between the two. (I honestly have never seen such
a mess before). If there weren't so many forms involved, I would have just
started a completely new database, but VP doesn't want me to make too many
changes--due to widespread computer panic. It if wasn't my task to fix it, it
would be pretty funny.

Thanks again.

Sandy K

 

[Duane Hookom]

Is there a question in there? I would probably start by documenting with a
3rd party product like those available from FMS
http://www.fmsinc.com/Products/access.asp.

 

[Sandy K]

I think that I have gotten my answer. I probably will have to start all over
and create a new database. There seems to be no quick solution to multiple
creator errors-- especially since there isn't anyone in my company that can
tell me who, what, when or why the tables are set up the way that they are. I
did try to analyze and normalize, but the wizards couldn't help me. I will
take your suggestion and look into FMS.

I appreciate your input.

Have a great week!
Sandy K