Change data type to DATE in SQL

kherboon · July 28th, 2003, 12:35 AM

Does anyone knows how to change the data type to Date, which is currently in Text. I tried to do it in Microsoft Access but all the Records will be deleted. I guess i got to use some SQL commands.
Can anyone guide me? Thanks in advance.

David Cameron · July 28th, 2003, 12:38 AM

The bigger issue is how are you going to convert your text data to date data. Unless it is in an readable format then you will have problems.

Also this forum is dedicated to SQL Server. An Access forum may better Access Specifiec suggestions.

regards
David Cameron

melvik · July 28th, 2003, 01:02 AM

CAST('TEXT' AS datetime) ex: SELECT CAST('2003-2-3' AS datetime)

Always:),
Hovik Melkomian.

kherboon · July 28th, 2003, 10:23 PM

But i have thousands of records..how can i change the data type of that field in 1 shot?

David Cameron · July 28th, 2003, 10:27 PM

Code:

ALTER TABLE MyTable ADD MyNewDateCol datetime
GO
UPDATE MyTable SET MyNewDateCol = CAST(MyOldCol AS datetime)

regards
David Cameron