Updatable query - unique values

[Guest]

Hello, I would like to be able to update records in a table that contains
duplicate values. I can use the unique values property to hide the
duplicates, however, this will not allow updates. Is there a way around
this? I don't want to see duplicates, but do want to be able to use the
query to update records.

Thanks,
Mary

 

[John Spencer (MVP)]

No, there is no way around it. If you had three records that were collapsed
down to one, how would the computer know which one of the records to update.
I'm assuming that the records are not completely identical even though the
combination of fields you are showing may be.

 

[Guest]

Does it matter if every instance of duplicating record gets updated?

If not, just run the update query as if you don't have any dupes, it will
just update every one.

You could also use the find duplicates query wizard to eliminate your dups
before you start your update, if you don't need to keep the dups