change filed properties

[Guest]

I have a table with 400000 records and I need to chage the properties of
three fileds. Any help in getting this done without my computer locking would
be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Allen Browne]

Compact your database:
Tools | Database Utilities | Compact

If it is still struggling when you attempt to change the field properties
(types? sizes?), create a new (blank) database:
File | New
Then import the structure of the table only:
File | Get External | Import
In that dialog, click the Options button, choose Structure Only, and then
Import.

Now you can modify the structure instantly, because there is no data.

After that, attach the original table that does have the data:
File | Get External | Link
Create a query into the linked table.
Change it to an Append query (Append on Query menu).
Map the fields.
Run the query.

The data is now appended into the modified table structure.