Auto number

J

JennBard1

is there a way to set the auto number to start at a certain number such as
12043? We are redoing our database but need to keep the numbers going up from
where they were before
 
K

KARL DEWEY

Append a record with 12042 in the field and something else in one other
field. Then delete the record.

If you compact the database later on it just might revert to filling in the
numbers.
 
F

Fred Boer

Dear "JennBard1":

If you are concerned about the value of an autonumber field, you probably
shouldn't be using an autonumber for that field. Autonumbers aren't meant to
be used in a field where their value has any meaning to the user, since they
cannot be counted on to increment smoothly. They can develop gaps, become
very large, or even take on a negative value. AutoNumbers exist to provide a
unique value that can be used as a Primary Key.

However, the following link might be helpful to you (I've not tried this
myself, I've just noted the link...):

http://allenbrowne.com/ser-26.html


If you want to use a custom counter, you can look at samples of how to
implement this here:

http://rogersaccesslibrary.com/download3.asp?SampleName=AutonumberProblem.mdb

HTH
Fred Boer
 
J

JennBard1

what do you mean by "append a record". I am starting a whole new database
because there are flaws in the old one. The auto number is for purchase
orders and we cannot reuse old p.o. #'s .
 
K

KARL DEWEY

Just that. Open a new query in design view. Change it to Append query and
select your table to append to.
In the FIELD row of the grid enter --
X: 12042
In the next column enter --
Y: "Anything"

Set the X column to append to your autonumber field and Y to some text field.

Append. Open the table and the next record you add will have 12043 as the
number in the autonumber field.

Delete the dummy record.
 
J

JennBard1

thank-you that is what i was more or less looking for but wasn't to sure how
to do it
 
F

Fred Boer

You're welcome! I suppose if you are rebuilding the database, now would be a
good time to implement a new numbering system!

Good luck!
Fred
 
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