Taking Out the Trash

[Thales750]

Well, where to begin, no, I mean really. Where to begin?

Bloat, bloat and more bloat.

I'm guesstimating there are about thirty percent extra components, in a database with over a thousand major objects. This system was built by importing, and developing, forms, queries, tables and modules, over a long period of time.

How would you go about reducing them to as close to minimum as possible. Some of the code pieces were written by Allen Brown in the late 90s early 20s. Some of that is still running.

Are there any short cuts or best practices?

 

[theDBguy]

Hmm, not sure there is a shortcut. You could maybe start out using the dependency checker, but it doesn't check all objects.

 

[CJ_London]

just some basic suggestions. And assumes db has been kept in a reasonable state.

For tables, and assuming you use relationships, check if there are tables in msysobjects that are not in msysrelationships. Any that aren't are potential targets for deletion.

for forms and reports scan through your code for docmd.openform/report if you don't find the form or report they also are potential targets for deletion. Take care re subforms/reports

Queries are more problematic and I don't have any simple suggestions right now.

Having identified the potential tables/forms/reports for deletion, turn off autocorrect if on, then rename those potential items with a zz prefix.

If you subsequently find something falls over, you can rename it back again. Otherwise after a few months, delete them. Alternatively move them to a db archive and bring back if required.

 

[Galaxiom]

Get the V-tools plugin, use the Total Deep Search and enter the name of an object. It will find everywhere that it is mentioned in the entire project.

Compact and repair regularly as stuff is removed.

 

[Galaxiom]

Having identified the potential tables/forms/reports for deletion, turn off autocorrect if on, then rename those potential items with a zz prefix.

Just posting to re-emphasise the importance of turning off NameAutoCorrect first in case the OP misses this detail

 

[Thales750]

Thanks All

 

[theDBguy]

Thanks All

Good luck!