AnsweredAssumed Answered

records numbered sequentially

Question asked by jbkfrench on Apr 5, 2010
Latest reply on Apr 7, 2010 by jbkfrench

Like • Show 0 Likes0
Comment • 6

Title

Post

I'm working with a database that was created by someone that is long gone. There is a field that assigns a sequential registration number. WE would like to be able to either reset this number to begin at 1 for a new database or change the field so that we can enter a number on our own. If we try and enter a number over what is assigned, the whole record does not show in the report screen - but we can change the number again on the report screen and the record will then show.

I'm a Filemaker newbie and not sure where to look for this type of formatting. Double clicking on the field in the layout screen brings up an inspector - but nothing there seems to indicate a sequential number field.

Any help here is greatly appreciated.

philmodjunk Apr 5, 2010 3:59 PM

Correct Answer

This is most likely a number field with an auto-entered serial number.

Open Manage | Database | Fields

Find the field's definition and double click it.

Click the auto-enter tab.

Now you have a dialog where you can change what will be entered in the next new record to be created.

However,

I strongly advise carefully examining the structure of your database and how this field is used in relationships. This field might be used as a primary key for uniquely identifying records. Altering this value, as you've already discovered in one part of the database, may affect how data in table links to related data in other tables.

Be cautious and make a back up before you change anything.

See the reply in context

No one else had this question

Outcomes

philmodjunk Apr 5, 2010 3:59 PM

This is most likely a number field with an auto-entered serial number.

Open Manage | Database | Fields

Find the field's definition and double click it.

Click the auto-enter tab.

Now you have a dialog where you can change what will be entered in the next new record to be created.

However,

Be cautious and make a back up before you change anything.

Actions

jbkfrench Apr 5, 2010 4:07 PM

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I was heading in that direction but database was greyed out and I was unable to get to that - what do I need to make sure is closed or not active to be able to see that?

Actions

philmodjunk Apr 5, 2010 4:14 PM

What version of filemaker are you using?

If this is a hosted file, some versions won't allow access to this section until you take it down off the server--that's a very good idea here anyway since you don't want the changes you are making to impact actual use of the database until you are sure your changes will not cause problems for the database.

Also: You need to have the Database open with a full access password and there shouldn't be any paused scripts. (You'll see continue and cancel buttons in the status area if a script is paused.)

If you were not asked for a password when you opened the file, it is still possible that a password was used to open the file for you when you opened the file. Open the file while holding down the shift key, Windows, or the option key, mac, and see if you are asked for a password.

Actions

jbkfrench Apr 6, 2010 4:12 PM

I was finally able to give this a try - using a trial of version 11

still not able to get to Manage>Database

used password to enter file - but for some reason all that is "active" under Manage is Value Lists, Layout and Scripts

Actions

philmodjunk Apr 6, 2010 4:23 PM

It appears your password is not a full access password. Restrictions on your password's privilege set are likely preventing you from accessing Manage | Database. You should contact the last person to make development changes to the database to get this password.

Actions

jbkfrench Apr 7, 2010 6:44 AM

Once we got the correct password it worked. Thanks for your help.

Actions

6 Replies

philmodjunk Apr 5, 2010 3:59 PM
Unmark Correct
Correct Answer
This is most likely a number field with an auto-entered serial number.
Open Manage | Database | Fields
Find the field's definition and double click it.
Click the auto-enter tab.
Now you have a dialog where you can change what will be entered in the next new record to be created.

However,
I strongly advise carefully examining the structure of your database and how this field is used in relationships. This field might be used as a primary key for uniquely identifying records. Altering this value, as you've already discovered in one part of the database, may affect how data in table links to related data in other tables.

Be cautious and make a back up before you change anything.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
jbkfrench Apr 5, 2010 4:07 PM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Thanks for your prompt reply.

I was heading in that direction but database was greyed out and I was unable to get to that - what do I need to make sure is closed or not active to be able to see that?
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
philmodjunk Apr 5, 2010 4:14 PM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
What version of filemaker are you using?

If this is a hosted file, some versions won't allow access to this section until you take it down off the server--that's a very good idea here anyway since you don't want the changes you are making to impact actual use of the database until you are sure your changes will not cause problems for the database.

Also: You need to have the Database open with a full access password and there shouldn't be any paused scripts. (You'll see continue and cancel buttons in the status area if a script is paused.)

If you were not asked for a password when you opened the file, it is still possible that a password was used to open the file for you when you opened the file. Open the file while holding down the shift key, Windows, or the option key, mac, and see if you are asked for a password.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
jbkfrench Apr 6, 2010 4:12 PM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
I was finally able to give this a try - using a trial of version 11

still not able to get to Manage>Database

used password to enter file - but for some reason all that is "active" under Manage is Value Lists, Layout and Scripts
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
philmodjunk Apr 6, 2010 4:23 PM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
It appears your password is not a full access password. Restrictions on your password's privilege set are likely preventing you from accessing Manage | Database. You should contact the last person to make development changes to the database to get this password.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
jbkfrench Apr 7, 2010 6:44 AM
Mark Correct
Correct Answer
Once we got the correct password it worked. Thanks for your help.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions

records numbered sequentially

Title

Post

Outcomes

Related Content

Recommended Content