Part I: Access Building Blocks
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l (^) Copying tables in a database
l Copying a table to another database
You perform these tasks by direct manipulation or by using menu items.
Renaming tables
Rename a table by following these steps:
- Select the table name in the Navigation Pane.
- Click once on the table name, and press F2.
- Type the new name of the table and press Enter.
You can also rename the table by right-clicking on its name in the Navigation Pane and selecting
Rename from the shortcut menu. After you change the table name, it appears in the Tables list,
which re-sorts the tables in alphabetical order.Caution
If you rename a table, you must change the table name in any objects in which it was previously referenced,
including queries, forms, and reports.
Deleting tables
Delete a table by selecting the table in the Navigation Pane and pressing the Delete key. Another
method is to right-click the table and select Delete from the shortcut menu. Like most delete oper-
ations, you have to confirm the delete by clicking Yes in a confirmation box.Caution
Be aware, however, that holding down the Shift key while pressing the Delete key deletes the table (or any
other database object, for that matter) without confirmation. You’ll find the Shift+Delete key combination use-
ful for removing items, but also dangerous if not carefully applied.
Copying tables in a database
The copy and paste options in the Clipboard group on the Home tab allow you to copy any table
in the database. When you paste the table back into the database, the Paste Table As dialog box
appears, asking you to choose from three options:l (^) Structure Only: Clicking the Structure Only button creates a new table, an empty
table with the same design as the copied table. This option is typically used to create a
temporary table or an archive table to which you can copy old records.
l Structure and Data: When you click Structure and Data, a complete copy of the
table design and all its data is created.