Un-Splitting a Database (A2K)

**JailAdmin** · 2002-02-16 23:30

I have a database that is split. I want to change the attribute of two tables, the autonumber has been set to random and I want incremental. The database is empty in all fields and directly linkes fields that I need to make the change. It won't let me delete the relationship because the fields are linked and I cannot make any changes while the relationship exists. Am I missing something or do I need to recombine the data and the rest of the program.

**charlotte** · 2002-02-17 04:22

That doesn't make sense, and what does it have to do with "un-splitting" a database? The relationships *are* what link the fields. You are working in the back end, right? None of this can be done from the front end with attached tables, and it doesn't require deleting relationships unless there's information you haven't mentioned.

If the tables are empty, all you have to do is change the random autonumber field to a long and save the table. Then, since the tables are empty, you'll be able to change the long to an autonumber and set it to increment.

If the tables previously held data, make sure you compact the backend before you try to change the autonumbers, just to make sure the seed is reset to 0.

**MarkLiquorman** · 2002-02-17 15:18

I think changing a fieldtype to/from an autonumber does require the relationships to be deleted, even if no data.

**charlotte** · 2002-02-17 17:10

Well, it didn't on my machine running A2K SR-1 on Win 2K SP2. I tested it before I posted. <img src=/S/shrug.gif border=0 alt=shrug width=39 height=15>

**MarkLiquorman** · 2002-02-17 18:42

>>Well, it didn't on my machine running A2K SR-1 on Win 2K SP2. I tested it before I posted. <<

I tested with Access97 SR-2, and with referential integrity enforced between 2 tables, it wouldn't allow me to change the datatype of the field in the parent table, even from autonumber to long.

**charlotte** · 2002-02-17 20:53

Oh, I see. We're talking about two different things. I was talking about the "many" side of the one-to-many relationship, where that table's autonumber is not involved in another relationship. It can be changed regardless.

Yes, if the autonumber field in question is part of relationship, then you have to delete the relationship first. Sorry I wasn't clearer.

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