Editing the design of an existing table

[munroe47]

I am using Access 2013 and have created an application that consists of several linked tables, forms, queries, macros, and reports. I completed this application several years ago using only the built-in design features of Access, (no user-created code) and have been making use of it almost daily since then, but I haven't had a need to modify it, so I have forgotten many of the design basics. Now I want to rename a field in one of the tables. I designed my application so that when I click on the .mdb file, a "startup" form with command buttons opens that allows me to access all the other features of the application. I can't figure out how to get beyond this "startup" form to open the table design window were I can make my desired field-name change. Any help is appreciated.

[ssanfu]

Hold down the shift key and double click the dB.

If the dB is split, you will have to open the BE dB to make the changes to the field name.
Then you will have to delete the linked table name in the FE and relink the table to get the new field name to display.

[munroe47]

Thanks Steve. I interpreted your instructions to refer to the .mdb file. I opened Windows Explorer and double clicked on that .mdb file, and nothing happened except the file name became highlighted.

Munroe

[orange]

You could post a copy (zip format) and some will try to get it open. Make sure you have a current back up your database.
Is it a split database? If so, you should zip both FE and BE.

[Micron]

You're sure it didn't open in the background (you can check Task Manager to see).
I find that method wonky with the shift click at times, so I right click and choose Open but hold the shift key before clicking open. If that doesn't get around the opening form then this property has probably been disabled and would need some tweaking to over-ride it.

However, did you simply try to
- get at navigation pane to see the tables (F11) when form is open
- see if you can get at File > Options to either suspend the opening form or show the nav pane and/or make tables visible?

[munroe47]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I will try them when I have more time to devote to this issue. If I cannot get anything to work, and since this application is strictly for my own use (it is a database of bird sightings with related view forms and reports), I may not change the field name but just change the label on the data-entry and view forms. That would also be a benefit since I would not have to edit the many queries that refer to that field as it was originally named.