Clearing column in an access table

[Guest]

Is there a simple way to clear all the data out of a column in an access
table without deleting the column itself. When I right click the column in
an open access table it appears I can only delete the column, not clear the
contents. Thanks in advance for help.

 

[Guest]

Consider using the 'Update Query' feature. You will want to look up that.

I suppose you would replace current contents with " "

 

[John Vinson]

Is there a simple way to clear all the data out of a column in an access
table without deleting the column itself. When I right click the column in
an open access table it appears I can only delete the column, not clear the
contents. Thanks in advance for help.

Run an Update query and update the field to NULL.

The need to do this suggests that you may be treating Access as if it
were a spreadsheet. IT ISN'T. Using spreadsheet thinking will just
cause you endless difficulties!

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[Terry Kreft]

Create a new query
Add the table from the list
Go to the Query Menu and select Update Query
Double click on the field in the list (this will add it to the grid)
In the column under the field name, on the row where it saysUpdate to enter
the Null
Click on the Run button (The red ! sign)

 

[Joseph Meehan]

Is there a simple way to clear all the data out of a column in an
access table without deleting the column itself. When I right click
the column in an open access table it appears I can only delete the
column, not clear the contents. Thanks in advance for help.

Believe what John V as said. If you have poor table design, and it does
sound like it, then it is likely this is not going to be the only problem
you need to work around.