Auto NUmber fields...

[kita__n]

I have a table where the "Work Order#" is a Auto Field.

Then I have a form and for some reason the work order # always starts with no. 30 or so.....I checked it is not set on Random numbers either!

How can I fix this problem! The Work Order # field is a foriegn key in 8 other tables as well!

thanks !

 

[wh00t]

I presume that you have already entered data previously, if so compact the database and start again, that may help, don't quote me though

 

[David R]

So it starts at 30...what's the big deal?

I ask because Autonumbers are NOT designed to be sequential fields, starting at 1 and going to infinity without break or pause.

All the Autonumber is designed to do is give you a unique identifier. It makes no claims that it will be sequential, or remain so. Lots of things can make you miss a number: Append Queries (even when you cancel running them!), Copy Paste, Deleted Records, Cancelled Records... However it will always, uniformly, be unique.

If you need a sequential field in your database, you're going to have to make it yourself or enter the values by hand. Look up DMax to get an idea of how to proceed on this, and check the archives for topics about 'sequential dmax field'.

If your Work Order # comes from a paper form, you may be best off entering it by hand and making sure it doesn't duplicate an existing entry. Very small amount of code needed there.