Jet database: Add new 'Key' column

[johnb41]

In my new app (close to complete, yay!) I am using data from an
existing Jet database. This database i have used for almost a year, so
it already has a bunch of existing data.

This database has a table that does NOT have a 'key' column. My app
really needs the table to have a 'key' column... preferably one that is
auto-incrementing.

Anyway, in Access, it allows me to add a column, but it will not let me
make it auto-numbering. I get an error saying that i cannot do it
because data already exists in my database. Also I cannot make a new
column a 'key' because when i save the table, an error says i cannot
have "null" values.

Do I have to create a new table from scratch? Please say it ain't so!!

Thanks,
John

 

[Guest]

John,

I just tried adding an AutoNumber column to a table in Access 2002 and it
worked without problems.

Kerry Moorman

 

[Cor Ligthert [MVP]]

John,

If there is one thing I never will do anymore is use a autoincrement columns
if it is not needed. It gives me all kind of troubles if there are related
tables that has to be inserted.

I use as unique key identifier a GUID

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...n-us/cpref/html/frlrfsystemguidclasstopic.asp

I hope this helps,


Cor

 

[johnb41]

I used Access 2003. I cannot have an Autonumber field unless i start a
table from scratch. Hmmm....

John

 

[johnb41]

Thanks!

John