Preventing query from converting memo field to text field.

[Guest]

I have a memo field that the user can insert markers that will be replaced
with data in a query process. Example: Dear {1} where the {1} will be
replaced with a persons name in the query. The final results are placed in a
different files memo field which is in turn used on a report. Although the
entire memo field conversion resides in the second files memo field (looks
good at this point) when that memo field is used on the final query that
pulls all the data from several files to be used on a report, the memo field
is cut at 255 characters like a text field although it was taken directly
from a memo field where it was all there. Does anyone have an idea of the
cause? Thanks

 

[Allen Browne]

A memo field will be truncated to 255 characters if:
a) there is any formatting of the field, or
b) Access performs any aggregation on the field.

For a), check if there is anything in the Format property of the field in
the table, or in the Format property of the text box on the report.

For b), check that the source query does not have a DISTINCT predicate. If
it has a GROUP BY clause, use First under the memo field instead of Group
By, so that Access can just grab the whole of the first match instead of
trying to group on the field. It's unusual to use a memo field for grouping
in the Sorting'n'Grouping box of the report, but you could check there also.