How to change field names in a split access 2003 table

[Dave]

Hi All,
Relatively new to access but i have set up a few access databases and as
data is inputted by several users at the same time I have split them so the
users all have a front end but the back end (BE) is on the file server. All
works well and the tables habve got bigger over tha last few weeks.
Unfortunately I now need to change some of the field names and access wont
let me do that as they are linked tables.
What should I do? Is the normal way to unlink the tables or rejoin the
database, make the changes them split the database again and update users
with the modified front ends, if so how do I relink a table to make one
database without messing it up.
Is there a simple way,
Cheers, David

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

You need to make the changes in the back-end, not the front-end.

Once you've made the changes, relinking the tables is a good idea.

 

[Jeff Boyce]

The "simple" way is to change the names in the back-end (directly, you are
correct, you cannot do so from a "front-end"). Then you'll need to refresh
the link to the table(s) affected in a front-end, and deploy that new
front-end to all users' PCs.

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Office/Access MVP

 

[Dave]

Ah just found an great post by Albert D. Kallal on this very topic.
Re: Splitting DB question
That seems to tell me what I need to know, thanks Albert
David

 

[Dave]

Thanks Douglas and Jeff that was so quick, wow!
Yes have modiied a field in the BE and the modified field appears in the
front end automatically.
I have some input forms that need updating now.
Is it best to just delete the old fied from the form and drag in the new one
from the changed filed list or is there a better way?
Cheers, David

 

[John W. Vinson]

I have some input forms that need updating now.
Is it best to just delete the old fied from the form and drag in the new one
from the changed filed list or is there a better way?

Simpler would be to open the form in Design view; select the control; view its
Properties; and change the Control Source to match the new fieldname.

If your Form is based on a query it may also be necessary to view the Form's
properties; select the Recordsource property. Click the ... icon by it to open
the query in design view. Add the new field (and if need be delete the old
one).

 

[Jeff Boyce]

Dave

Along with John's observation that both forms and queries might be affected,
consider whether you have any reports that rely on either the table or
queries thereon.

And do you have any procedures that call for that old field? Or would need
to be updated to include the new field?

Good luck!


Regards



Jeff Boyce

Microsoft Office/Access MVP

 

[Dave]

Thanks Jeff and John
that's very helpful
Cheers, Dave