One primary key value missing

[JulieAsking]

I have Access97 and have a form and subform set up to record surgical operations for patients. I have an autonumber primary key for PatientID. I noticed when entering data on the Form recently that the record number on the navigation button of the form was one number less than that showing for the PatientID number. Record number 487 seems to have got deleted somewhere along the way.

To keep the PatientID numbers and Form record numbers matching I went to Tables and tried inserting a new record where 487 should fall. It did not happen. Is there any way I can reinstate a PatientID number of 487 (and add a new patient name to it) or is that 'space' lost forever? If so, how can I stop this from happening again please?

Thanks - Julie

 

[llkhoutx]

The record navigation number is not related to tableID number. Table indices and a sorted sql record source affect the order of records displayed in forms.

 

[Oldsoftboss]

If a record is deleted or somehow not saved if you change from form view to design view the autonumber will be gone forever
As llkhoutx says, it only reflect howmany records there are.
Dave

 

[JulieAsking]

Thanks for answering, llkhoutx.

As my Form stands, the PatientId numbers and navigation button numbers do match all the way through to where the navigation button shows 487 but the PatientID number is 488 (the record for PatientID 487 no longer exists - I have checked this in TAbles). From this point on, through hundreds of records, the navigation button shows one number less than the PatientId numbers, confirming that I am down one record namely 487.

I was hoping to be able to re-create a record for the missing number. This mismatch of numbers was what alerted me to the fact that record 487 has been accidentally deleted from the database.

I have a feeling there is no way to re-create lost records. Am I right?

thanks - Julie

 

[JulieAsking]

OldSoftBoss I didnt see your reply before my last post. Okay. I see now that I cannot rectify this situation.

Thank you both for your help.

Julie