Split Database Not Showing Updated Drop Down List Entries

[StevenCV]

Hi,



I have a database that is split - one central PC holds the back end, and then there are multiple end users with a copy each of the front end.

We have updated a drop down menu on a field in the back end to add some new entries, but this is not showing up on the front end copies.

Is there an easy way of updating the front end to show the changes?

[ranman256]

Be sure to relink the table in the front end if changes were made to the table.
(Best practice: the combo should be attached to a query)

[ItsMe]

...

Is there an easy way of updating the front end to show the changes?

The short answer is No. It is advisable to not use lookupfields at the Table Layer. Lookupfields in tables use an index that is not readily apparent. In other words, add an item to the list within the lookup and you change the indexes. Ad an item to the beginning of the list and you will disrupt referential integrity of your relations.

eg........

change:
Car
Boat
House

to:
Car
RV
Boat
House

Now, you also changed the index for Boat and House by assigning RV to what was originally the Boat index(position).

[NTC]

LookUp fields are very common; advice to avoid them is a matter of design preference.

You have 1 of 2 possible issues:

a. the screen forms of the users simply has not refreshed - meaning they need to be closed and then re-opened to call in the latest data of the drop downs

however if you have suffered thru this for a few days then these forms have all closed and re-opened a few times so I will guess the issue is:

b. combobox option: are you updating these fields using the option to do so as part of the user's form? it shows a little light pencil or something and invites you to update the drop down .... in this method the data is only going into the front end - - it is not shared.... you need to change this option, I can't remember off hand what it is called, perhaps simply the 'Limit to List' option.....but in any case once you make this change the only way to update a combobox is to go to separate form that is best residing in an Admin area (or directly into its table which is generally not recommended)