how do i change data type

A

AndyNolan

I have a database that is currently 350Mb in size. There is a daily update of
data to the database.

I wish to change some of the "field data types" (say from Number to Text)
but due to the size of the database this does not seem possible. I have tried
using Export/Import but this seems to modify some of the data. I think I may
need to create a second empty copy of the database, modify the field data
types as required and then run queries across both databases but I am not
sure how to do this.

It is not the database size that is the problem, it is the inability to
amend the field data types that is causing some fields to be left empty after
import.
 
M

[MVP] S.Clark

Open the table in Design View. For the desired fields, change the data
type.

Changing a datatype from a number to text is typically harmless, but going
the other way may have problems.

--
Steve Clark, Access MVP
FMS, Inc.
Call us for all of your Access Development Needs!
1-888-220-6234
[email protected]
www.fmsinc.com/consulting
 
G

George Nicholson

When changing data types it may be a good idea to do just one field,
compact, do another field, compact, etc.

The reason for this is that when you change a data type you are actually
completely replacing the field with a new one. Access creates a new field of
the desired type, copies "old field" data into the new field (as much as
possible), and then deletes the old field. However, the database file size
will *not* reflect the field deletion, only the field addition, until you
compact. Hence, doing just one field at a time and compacting as-you-go may
save you some aggravation.

Backup 1st, of course. :)

HTH,
 
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