ACC: Behavior of Query Differs for Byte Data in MS Access 95/97

ID: Q168875

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Access versions 7.0, 97

SYMPTOMS

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

When you create an update query that calculates values for a Numeric field whose FieldSize property is set to Byte, you may not get the results that you expect when the calculated value in the field is larger than what the Byte size data type can hold. The following behavior occurs if this happens.

In Microsoft Access 7.0 and 97
------------------------------

The query updates the value in the field to the calculated value minus 256.

In Microsoft Access 2.0
-----------------------

The query does not update the field, and you receive a conversion error message.

CAUSE

The Byte data type is used to store small, positive integers ranging from 0 to 255.

RESOLUTION

Use a different field size for your calculated field if you are going to be creating calculations that exceed 255.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

Start Microsoft Access 7.0 or 97.

Create a new table and save it as Table1. Add the following field to the table:


      Table: Table1
      --------------------
      Field name: Field1
         Data Type: Number
         Field size: Byte

Enter the following data in the first three rows:
```
      10, 15, 20 
```

Close the table.

Create an update query based on Table1. To do so, follow these steps:
1. In the Database window, click the Query tab, and then click New.
2. In the New Query box, click Design view, and then click OK.
3. In the Show Table box, select Table1, click Add, and then click Close.
4. Add Field1 to the query grid.
5. On the Query menu, click Update Query.
6. In the Update To row, type [Field1] * 2.

Run the query four times. Click Yes to each confirmation message.

Note that when the value that should be returned is greater than the Byte data type size limitation of 255, an incorrect value is returned to the field. In the above example, the values that are returned each time the query runs are as follows:
```
      Query        Values that are returned
      -----        ------------------------
       One         20, 30, 40
       Two         40, 60, 80
       Three       80, 120, 160
       Four        160, 240, 64 
```

REFERENCES

For more information about field sizes, search the Help Index for "fields, size," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.


Keywords          : kbusage QryUpdat QryProp 
Version           : 97
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: May 3, 1999