increment # for each record

[Steve S]

Hello,
I've got a large database where I want to delete duplicate records using a
delete query. I've set up a totals query to determine which duplicate
record to delete, but I need a unique field in the duplicate records to tell
which one to delete. I'm trying to assign an incremental value to each
record in the table to accomplish this. Can someone tell me how to do this?
Or better yet, is there an easier way to do a mass duplicate record
deletion?
Thanks in advance,
Steve

 

[Lynn Trapp]

I don't think you've given us nearly enough information to know how to help
you. No one here knows your data and, without more information, can't tell
you how to proceed. However, I can say that I doubt that a sequential number
is going to help you.

--
Lynn Trapp
MS Access MVP
www.ltcomputerdesigns.com
Access Security: www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/Security.htm
Jeff Conrad's Big List: www.ltcomputerdesigns.com/JCReferences.html

 

[Steve S]

Bottom line: I have a large database with a large number of duplicate
records that I need to mass delete duplicates. How do I do that? What
additional information is needed to determine that?

 

[Per Larsen]

You need a way to identify the ONE record you don't want to delete (or identify ONLY the duplicates, and NOT the 'original' one). This is what (one of the tasks) we use the primary key for.

There are numerous ways to find duplicate records, one of them exists as a query wizard in Access itself ('Find Duplicates Query Wizard'), but, unless you can find a way to identify the record NOT TO delete (unless the inspection by your own eyes), how do you expect te database engine to be able to do so?

Regards
PerL