Adding new field to existing linked table

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

davecoats622 - 18 Jul 2005 19:35 GMT

I am making some modifications to an existing MS Access Application and need
to add a new column (field) to a table in the database. Since the table is
linked to other tables, I get a message saying "Can't save property changes
for linked tables". I was under the impression that you can add new columns
as long as they are not a foreign or primary key. If this is not true, how
should I get around this error message and add the new table column?

Reply to this Message

John Vinson - 18 Jul 2005 21:50 GMT

>I am making some modifications to an existing MS Access Application and need
>to add a new column (field) to a table in the database. Since the table is
>linked to other tables, I get a message saying "Can't save property changes
>for linked tables". I was under the impression that you can add new columns
>as long as they are not a foreign or primary key. If this is not true, how
>should I get around this error message and add the new table column?

You must open the "backend" database where the tables are stored, and
add the field there. It will then be reflected in the linked table.

A linked table is just that - the data is NOT stored in your project;
your project contains only a link, pointing to the backend database
where the table actually resides.

John W. Vinson[MVP]

Reply to this Message

davecoats622 - 19 Jul 2005 12:26 GMT

Thank you for the feedback. I was trying to add the new column in the
project from the "Tables" tab in the database view. I believe this is the
"Backend".....correct?? I click on the tblPracticalData table and view it in
Design view. When I try to add a new column from there, I get the message.
If this is not the "Backend" how do I get there? Thanks again for your quick
response.

> >I am making some modifications to an existing MS Access Application and need
> >to add a new column (field) to a table in the database. Since the table is
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> John W. Vinson[MVP]

Reply to this Message

John Vinson - 19 Jul 2005 18:30 GMT

>Thank you for the feedback. I was trying to add the new column in the
>project from the "Tables" tab in the database view. I believe this is the
>"Backend".....correct?? I click on the tblPracticalData table and view it in
>Design view. When I try to add a new column from there, I get the message.
>If this is not the "Backend" how do I get there? Thanks again for your quick
>response.

A "split" database consists of TWO (or more!) separate .mdb files. The
one you're opening is evidently the "frontend" - a database which
contains Forms, Reports, Queries, all the user interface objects; it
has only links to the "backend" database, a *DIFFERENT* .mdb file,
which contains the Tables. The Tables tab in the frontend database
window doesn't actually contain the tables themselves - it contains
pointers to the tables, which reside in the backend. This is
symbolized by the little black arrow to the left of the table name.

If you've used the database splitter wizard on a database named
MyDatabase.mdb, the backend will be named MyDatabase_BE.mdb. Of course
it might have some other name - I don't know! In any case you need to
open THAT database, and change the table definition there.

John W. Vinson[MVP]

Reply to this Message

davecoats622 - 19 Jul 2005 20:07 GMT

Thanks John, that did it. I appreciate the help!

> >Thank you for the feedback. I was trying to add the new column in the
> >project from the "Tables" tab in the database view. I believe this is the
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> John W. Vinson[MVP]

Reply to this Message