I have a question on linked tables and the source data for them. I currently use a text file called wkmodtl.txt as the source for a linked table (MODetails). I had our IT guys add a field to the text file that I want to include in the linked table. They completed their piece but I can't figure out how to get the new field in my table. I have spent a few hours searching on google and such with no luck. I am relatively new to Access so be easy on me. Thanks.

Have you tried deleting the linked table and re-create the linked table?

**Be sure to back up everything before you try it! ***

I have not tried that as I was afraid all of the SQL statements (in VBA) I have written to it would become invalid. Do you think that would happen?

As long as you name the new link the same name it won't. Can't you just go to Link Table Manager and refresh the link.

DCrake - please for give me....but, when you say "name the new link the same" I am not sure what you mean. Do you mean name the linked table the same with the same field names? or is there a way to edit/delete & recreate the link between the .txt file and the table? Also, I have tried to refresh the table using the manager and it doesn't pull in the new field for some reason. Thanks for your help.

I was really looking for a way to get back to the process where you tell Access how you want to delimit a file. For example, where you say delimit based on Tab, comma, or other special char. Then you tell it to import this field as numeric and this one as text and don't import this one. Make sense?

By what you are saying you are not linking it you are importing it. If you are linking it it will have a littel blue arrow pointing to the linked file. Does it have this now?

Yes it does have a little blue arrow pointing to it. Infact all of the tables in the db do as it is a frontend type application. This one just looks a little different because it is linked to a text file while all of the others are linked to a another access table on the backend.

Yes it does have a little blue arrow pointing to it. Infact all of the tables in the db do as it is a frontend type application. This one just looks a little different because it is linked to a text file while all of the others are linked to a another access table on the backend.

If open the linked table to the text file, is all the data there?

When you say:


... I can't figure out how to get the new field in my table ...


Into what table are you referring to? The linked text file or a table in your Access back end?

I am probably saying it all incorrectly....sorry if I am causing confusion. You guys are great with the help.

This particular linked table does not referr to the tables on the backend it goes directly to the text file. Does that help?

I am probably saying it all incorrectly....sorry if I am causing confusion. You guys are great with the help.

This particular linked table does not referr to the tables on the backend it goes directly to the text file. Does that help?

For me, the confusion is in what you are doing with the link table to a text file.

That is why I ask the questions in my previous post. Would you mind answering them?