Increase text in field columns

[John Roberts]

Hi,

Without the knowledge of a programmer, I would like to know how to increase the amount of text in a field column. I administer a Vehicle data base but can only put in the make like Skoda, and model Octavia, but no other details on the end like for example 1.9 TDI SE 5dr Estate as not enough room on the end.

First how can i increase the column width and second, how can i then increase the amount of text.

Cheers

John

 

[Alansidman]

Where are you entering the data? In a form bound to a table? Or directly in a table?

 

[MSAccessRookie]

Hi,

Without the knowledge of a programmer, I would like to know how to increase the amount of text in a field column. I administer a Vehicle data base but can only put in the make like Skoda, and model Octavia, but no other details on the end like for example 1.9 TDI SE 5dr Estate as not enough room on the end.

First how can i increase the column width and second, how can i then increase the amount of text.

Cheers

John

MS Access Fields alone would not have the type of limitations that you are describing, since they allow up to 255 characters. Most likely, one of the following conditions applies to your situation:

1. You are using a Form to enter the data and the TextBox Control has a mask that is creating the limitations. If this is the case, then modifying or even removing the mask could create the effect that you are looking for.
2. Your Tables are linked to a remote Non-Access Database such as SQL Server, and the Text Field is defined as a small width such as Varchar(8). If this is the case, then increasing the width of the Varchar() could create the effect that you are looking for.

Of course, you will need to verify the effect that any change has on the remainder of your application.

-- Rookie

 

[John Roberts]

sorry folks but i did try to upload a screen print as an attachment for people to see, but i don't know where it went. It would be easier to explain with an attachment present, but it is a column titled "Vehicles" with all the types of vehicles used as taxis in the column below. I've only got about 16 characters to play with including spaces.

 

[Bryan]

You need to answer AlanSidman's question. Into what are you entering the data that has the field that is too short?

 

[John Roberts]

A column which i can widen in a form

 

[Bryan]

I'm not sure how you can widen a column in a form. It may be a datasheet.

If it is a form, go into the design view and look at the properties for the control to see if there is an imput mask restricting the amount of text that can be entered.

Also, look at the table that you are entering/viewing data into/from and look at the properties for that field. You should be able to increase the size of up 255 characters.

 

[MSAccessRookie]

I'm not sure how you can widen a column in a form. It may be a datasheet.

If it is a form, go into the design view and look at the properties for the control to see if there is an imput mask restricting the amount of text that can be entered.

Also, look at the table that you are entering/viewing data into/from and look at the properties for that field. You should be able to increase the size of up 255 characters.

To anyone new to MS Access, a Form that is being displayed in DataSheet Mode looks like a Table, but still has all of the restrictions that go along with a Form. If this is the case, then the Control behind the displayed Field probably has the restrictions.

Try to get the DataSheet to display in Form Display Mode, and then check the Properties of the Control in question.

 

[gemma-the-husky]

you need to open the table thatr holds the vehicles, in design mode

look at the field that stores then vehicle description. it is probably text, in which case the maximum size of the field will be shown at the bottom, and you can change it there.

on the other hand you may be picking the option skoda from a combo box which stores a list of motor manufacturers.

 

[John Roberts]

I've opened it in design form with the vehicle name box highlighted i need to alter, also the property sheet to its right is open along side.
Once again I have tried to attach a screen print.

Regards

John

 

[Alansidman]

Instead of a picture, why not just load a copy of your db, sanitized for confidential information. Slim it down as we do not need to see all the records, just a sample size. Then run a compact and repair before uploading. Everyone here is anxious to help but you are not giving us enough information --.

Alan

 

[John Roberts]

I wish i could give you more Alan but it's my knowledge of Access that limiting me as to what i can and can't do. The terminology you use on your side of the big lake is loosing me and it's purely down to my lack of understanding the back-end of the product. As a person with no one in-house to help it becomes increasingly frustation when you're trying to develop it but don't have the savvy (that's the knowledge) to do it. Just as matter of interest if you google Guernsey, Channel Islands UK, you'll see how far apart we are. It must bearound 4 thousand miles i reckon.
In the mean time does anyone know why my attachments are not being uploaded with my posts?

Regards

John

 

[Alansidman]

John;
Here is a step by step to attach a file.

Click on the Go Advanced Button
Click on Manage Attachments
Window opens, select Choose file.
Find your file and click on it to highlight.
Now select the Open Button
Click Upload
Look at the main screen where the Manage Attachments Button is located
Does it show your file attached?
If yes, then click on Submit,
If no, then repeat by selecting Choose file in the sub window that is still open.

I hope this helps. Be sure to run a compact and repair before uploading. Also, it may help if you zip the file first to make it smaller. That may be an issue.

 

[Bryan]

Also, it may help if you zip the file first to make it smaller.

I think you'll have to zip it in any event. The sticky in the General forum says that until you have 10 posts, you can only post a zip.

 

[John Roberts]

Thanks for the help people but unable to zip the screen shot any smaller than 139 and as the limit is 100, I'm stuffed.

Regards

John

 

[Alansidman]

John;
my suggestion to you was to post your db so that all codes can be examined. Screen shots are not as valuable unless you are trying to show what results you wish to achieve. Try slimming down your db and posting it. An alternative is to post to someplace like box.net and then post a reference to that site here.

Alan

 

[John Roberts]

Thanks Alan but as its a local government in-house system i don't think they would take to kindly to me exporting any part of the data base outside of the network.

Regards

John

 

[Pat Hartman]

I believe there is a 10 post minimum before you are allowed to upload files. Sorry, but something has to be done to slow down the spammers. So, since I have enough posts under my belt, I'll post a picture of what you have to change. This needs to be done in the BE database. You will not be able to change table definitions in the FE.

The green arrow points from a row defined as the Text data type to the number of characters allowed in the field. 255 is the maximum. If you need to allow for longer text strings, change the data type to Memo which gets you up to around 64k.

If you are still having trouble, you'll have to post a few more times until you get permission to upload a picture of where the problem is occuring.

Welcome Aboard

 

[John Roberts]

If anyone wishes to email me at I can attach the screen print which will show what i trying to explain.

Kind regards

John

 

[John Roberts]

sorry this didnt sound quite right but when i removed the email address i just left the rest.

Regards

John