how to make these tables the same

[BigDan]

I have a question about the presentation of tables.



Please see attached picture. There's two tables that are essentially the same, just containing the week number. However one has 1 column one has 2. Is there a way I can remove the second column from one, or add a second column to the other?

[JoeM]

You shouldn't really be too concerned about how the tables are being presented, because your users should NEVER have to see or access the tables directly. All user input should be handled through Forms (and data presented via Reports).

[BigDan]

I dont have any users. I'm the only one who uses this DB, and I use these tables for iterate queries.

[JoeM]

So I guess the question is, why are you concerned about it. I don't think it should really matter or have any affect on anything.

Essentially, in the second one, it is just allowing you to easily add a new Field to your table without having to go to Design View.
As to why there is a difference between the two, it could be a few things, such as:
- Is the first table a Linked Table into Access? If so, you would not be able to edit the table structure, so it would not give you the option of adding another field.
- If both are table inherent to this database they reside in, were they created differently?
- Is one of the tables set as Read-Only?

[BigDan]

The main reason is for my learning. I'm still figuring out Access and when I'm not able to do things that I would've thought possible I want to learn why. Each of these concepts comes into play the further you use a program.

- to the best of my knowledge these arent linked tables. I dont fully know what that means but piecing it together from what it sounds like.
- yes they're in this DB only. they might well have been created differently. others have used it in the past. the point is to change the tables to my preferences.
- i doubt they're read-only since i can edit them. but is there a way of checking, without trying to edit? i dont see any mention in design view.

[JoeM]

OK. I just wanted to make sure that it was seemingly preventing you from doing something. Without seeing or having access to the database, it is difficult to tell exactly what is going on.

If you look at the Tables in the Object browser, under the Table section, linked table look different. Instead of showing the table icon to the left of the Table name, it shows an arrow with something else, like "DB" (it is indicate it is a linked table, and indicate what kind of linked table it is). Do both of these tables show the same icon?

Being able to edit the table data and table structure are two different things. For the one that does not contain the second column, go into Design View and try typing an additional Field Name in (don't worry, you can always delete it). Does it allow you to do so? If so, I don't think you have anything to worry about. You should be able to do whatever you need to.

[BigDan]

I have two types of tables, one is the standard type, the other is an arrow pointing towards a globe. Is that what you mean by Linked Table? If so, yes I have them but neither of the tables in question are those, they both have the same icon.

Yes I'm allowed to add an additional field name in the table that has one column. However the table that has 2 columns shows only one column in design view.

[JoeM]

Yes I'm allowed to add an additional field name in the table that has one column. However the table that has 2 columns shows only one column in design view.

As well it should. That second column isn't really an existing column. It it a shortcut of sorts, that allows you to easily add a new field (column) without going into Design View of your table.

That is why I say it shouldn't be an issue. Both table only have one field (column) currently. The one table is just giving you a quick way to add another field (column).

Why one table allows it and the other one doesn't is anyone's guess. It might have to do with how they were created, or just might be one of those flukey Microsoft quirks. I wouldn't waste much time worrying about it since it doesn't really affect anything.

[BigDan]

cool thanks for all your help