Setting a Primary Key Using the Table Wizard

When you create a table with the Table Wizard, you can choose either to set a primary key yourself or to have the wizard do it for you. If you set the primary key, a dialog box appears that allows you to select the primary key and define its data type. Access can generate primary key values automatically, or you can enter a unique value for each new record when you enter data.

Set the Primary Key Yourself

When the Table Wizard prompts you to set the primary key, click the No, I'll Set The Primary Key option. Click Next to continue.

Click the list arrow to select the field you want to use as the primary key.

Click the option corresponding to the data type you want to use for your primary key.

Click Next to continue.

Click the option corresponding to what you want to do after the wizard creates the table.

Click Finish.

See Also See "Specifying a Primary Key in Design View" on page 57 for information on creating and altering primary keys.

Primary Key Options Option Description Consecutive Numbers Access assigns the primary key value for a new record that is automatically one more than the primary key value in the previous record. Numbers I Enter When I Add New Records You enter a unique number for the primary key of each new record. Numbers And/Or Letters I Enter When I Add New Records You enter a unique string of text for the primary key of each new record.