creating new table

[dennist685]

I opened an access database for the first time in access 2007. It opened
read only. If I wanted to make design changes I should save a copy and work
on that. This is really irritating. I also see no way of determining the
key index and setting the type for a field in a table or even adding fields.
2003 was self-evident. I think in competing with file-maker pro microsoft
took the simplicity away from access. I always created databases in access
then upsized to sql server. I don't do fancy stuff. How do I do these
simple things withp\out getting a phd in access?

Thanks.

Sorry for the rant!

dennist

 

[Cheese_whiz]

Hi dennist:

Seems like you are getting worked up over very little here. I can't imagine
being overly concerned about having to copy a file (assumming that's not just
some idiosynchrocy of the file/way it was opened/version under which it was
designed/result of some setting that can be changed/etc).

As for the pk issue, I don't have '07, but I do have google and found this:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access/HA100140991033.aspx?pid=CH100645681033

Maybe there's an answer for you there somewhere. I didn't read the entire
thing, but I did see where '07 automatically creates an autonumber 'ID' field
as the primary key IF you create a new table in datasheet view and that field
is HIDDEN in datasheet view, so if you want to see it you have to switch to
design view.

Further down at that link I think it tells you how to add or remove the pk,
or specify a combination of fields for the pk in '07.

Hope you find something useful there,
CW

 

[dennist685]

I'm reading the article, for which I thank you.

The following instructions.

In the Data Type column, click the drop-down arrow and click AutoNumber.
Under Field Properties, in New Values, click Increment to use incremental
numeric values for the primary key, or click Random to use random numbers.

I can't find the Data Type column, and I've looked.

dennist

 

[dennist685]

Well, I was able to choose the number, but,

Select the field or fields you want to use as the primary key.
To select one field, click the row selector for the field you want.

To select more than one field, hold down CTRL and then click the row
selector for each field.

On the Design tab, in the Tools group, click Primary Key.


A key indicator is added to the left of the field or fields that you specify
as the primary key.

I simply couldn't find the primary key under tools group or figure how to
selecct fields.

dennis