Field Size

[Jeff]

I have a table with over 15,000 rows and would like to change the size of the
comments field to 255. However, when I try to save the table I get a message
saying that there is not enough disk space or memory. Is this because it is
too much to convert the size for all of the records? Are there any ways I
can get around this and increase the field size? Thanks in advance.

 

[John W. Vinson]

I have a table with over 15,000 rows and would like to change the size of the
comments field to 255. However, when I try to save the table I get a message
saying that there is not enough disk space or memory. Is this because it is
too much to convert the size for all of the records? Are there any ways I
can get around this and increase the field size? Thanks in advance.

In order to avoid Access keeping two copies of the entire table in memory...
create a new empty table by copying and pasting the current one into the
tables window, choosing the option "design view only". Change the size of the
field in the design window. (Hint: change it to Memo if the comments may
exceed 255 bytes, if you're willing to put up with the disadvantages of memo
fields - you can't sort or search them as easily).

Then run an Append query to migrate the data into the new table.

When all is tested and validated, delete the old table and rename the new one.
Compact your database when you're done.