sql datatype change be changed

mateenmohd · July 17th, 2003, 07:56 AM

Hi,

I am try to change the sql datatype
varchar to numeric,
it is give message that datatype can not be changed.
and data will lost.

How I can change the datatype without lost of data.
I have thousands of records in a table.

Mateen

pgtips · July 17th, 2003, 08:25 AM

Why don't you copy the records before you change the data type, then if anything nasty happens, you've still got your records. Use a simple SELECT INTO query, like this:

Code:

SELECT * INTO NewTable
FROM TableYouWantToChange

nbryson · July 17th, 2003, 08:34 AM

Hi

You will need to check the size of your varchar data to see if exceeds the numeric data type size.

If not the error raised should be arithmetic overflow. Did you get this message?

Regards

Nickie

mateenmohd · July 18th, 2003, 03:00 AM

thanks for response.

I have copy the records before changing.
but it is not change the datatype,
if datatype changed and data lost
how I can re-enter the records into the changed table
from the backup table.
I have thusanads of records.

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by pgtips
Why don't you copy the records before you change the data type, then if anything nasty happens, you've still got your records. Use a simple SELECT INTO query, like this:

Code:

SELECT * INTO NewTable
FROM TableYouWantToChange