Ms Access 2003: Set Replication ID for Field Size?

Question

Hi,
I wondered if I should set "replication ID" for field size for the foreign key in the tabel?
The field size is courently set to "long integer".
What is bether to use, why and what is the difference?

Thx for your help.

Answer 1

No.

"Replication ID" is not for foreign keys. It is an "Alpha-Numeric-Special Characters" format and Access automatically assigns Unique Replication IDs to Replicate DBs when You begin creating them. The Wizard is under TOOLS>>REPLICATION>>CREATE REPLICA. A REPLICATE is a smaller version of the DB for distribution that cannot be altered through the "Design" view.



Usually You would REPLICATE the "Front-End" and have the tables in a seperate DB located on a network (allowing multiple users to add/edit/query the data without issues). Changes could then be made to the "DESIGN MASTER" DB and the REPLICAS would be updated using a VBA Module instead of distrbuting a NEW copy of the DB or having to "kick everyone out" so You can make design changes.

Answer 2

If you are using just access for all your work, then the long integer data type can be used.



Here's the detail from Access help about the other:



Replication ID (also called globally unique identifier (GUID: A 16-byte field used in an Access database to establish a unique identifier for replication. GUIDs are used to identify replicas, replica sets, tables, records, and other objects. In an Access database, GUIDs are referred to as Replication IDs.) (GUID))



and is equivalent to the SQL uniqueidentifier (uniqueidentifier data type: In an Access project, a 16-byte globally unique identifier (GUID).) (SQL Server 7.0 or later)

Answer 3

Use the import wizard, access can read an excel spreadsheet and turn it into a table.