change MS Access column datatype from "Text" to "Memo"

[parkerjnc]

I have an unknown number of MS Access database files which have a column in a table which is defined as "Text" (max 255 chars). I need to change the datatype to "Memo" (max 32K chars) using VB.net. These files probably will have data in the column. Is this possible? Any suggestions on how to do it?

-parkerjnc-

 

[Tom]

Enlarging a columns length shouldnt cause any problems. And this doesnt sound like something you need to do dynamically, create a backup and go into the design environment of the database and change the columns datatype.

 

[parkerjnc]

The problem is that the database files are used by a VB.Net application and each user of the app will have several of their own separate database files. There's no way for me to access all the files out there.

I was hoping to modify the application to recognize when loading a file that the column in question needs altering, make the change, then save it.

 

[cjard]

Use GetSchema to determine the existing type
more info: OleDb GetSchema("Columns") Reports the incorrect datatype : ADO.NET Data Providers : Data Platform Development : MSDN Forums

if it needs changing, use DDL to change it: How to use common Data Definition Language (DDL) SQL statements for the Jet database engine

Note you may have to create, copy into and drop old, rather than modifying the type. I dont know if Access supports changing the type of a column

 

[parkerjnc]

That's great info. I'll look into that. Thanks!