Changing Data Type of Linked Excel File

**LonghronJ** · 12-09-2019, 10:07 AM

When I link data from an Excel file, one of the fields could potentially have longer than 255 characters. Access does not allow me to change the property of the linked file to Long Text. How do I overcome this issue?

**ranman256** · 12-09-2019, 11:16 AM

Msoft has problems with Long Text, since it wants to import everything at 255 chars. (thank them)
I've had some success importing XL into a memo, but it's been a while.

**Gicu** · 12-09-2019, 11:58 AM

Have you tried to edit the Excel file by adding in the first row more than 255 characters in that field and relinking?

Cheers,

**LonghronJ** · 12-09-2019, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Gicu

Have you tried to edit the Excel file by adding in the first row more than 255 characters in that field and relinking?

Cheers,

Very interesting trick. It actually worked. Thanks.

**Gicu** · 12-09-2019, 05:29 PM

You're welcome. When linking Excel files the wizard looks at the data in the first few rows to determine the "appropriate" data type for the linked table.

Cheers,

Changing Data Type of Linked Excel File

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Changing Data Type of Linked Excel File

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