updating existing records

[brucepensyl]

I have added a calculation field to my layout. It works fine on all new records, but I need it to update all previous records.

Pray tell how is this done?

Hopefully this is the right forum for this.

[dbruggmann]

See this post: http://www.fmforums.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=solutions&Number=109114

and ask again, if it doesn't meet your needs!

[dbruggmann]

Addendum: If you have added true calculation fields, they should work also for the existing records.

[Fenton]

I see you're using version 7. If you haven't done so, update to 7.0v2. One the bugs it specifically fixed was a problem with constant calculations not calculating.

[brucepensyl]

I have done the update, thanks for that info.

However possibly I am not making my self clear. I have changed a layout, adding a calculated field. Bringing two text fields together. All new records, when placing text into the fields, yields the correct calculated field. However all the current existing records are not updated. How do I "push" FMP to look at all the existing records and cause the calculation to happen.

Thanks again

[RalphL]

Are you using a true calculated field or are using an auto-enter by calculation.

[brucepensyl]

My calculation is: Trim ( Brand )&" "&Trim (Name)

[QuinTech]

But what is the field type? "Text"? "Number"? Or is it "Calculation"? Because if the field type listed in the Field Definitions dialog is not "Calculation", you're barking up the wrong tree as RalphL suggests. See attachment for clarification.

Jerry

[brucepensyl]

It is an auto enter calculation-replaces existing values. Since there are no existing values I need it to somehow go back to all 300 records and perform the calculation.

[QuinTech]

Then reproduce your auto-enter calculation in a Replace Contents command. You can easily script it if it's something you need to do periodically.

J

[brucepensyl]

Ahhh, a Pittsburger-my original/and still is hometown. Sure do miss it.

Now to business. I understand the concept of what you are saying, but your "easily script it" comment is the problem. I have been looking for scripting books and such, and cannot find anything. I am not sure which way to go, to learn....I need a book or something.

[QuinTech]

Well, if this is the only step you want to do, create a new script. Double-click "Replace Contents" on the left side, then set the options for the step below.

It sounds like you do not need to script it, though; i am guessing you created the auto-enter calc after entering many records and now want the previous ones to "catch up" with the others. If this is the case, forget the script. Click into your field, select "Replace Contents" from the Records menu, select "Replace with calculated result", then enter your desired calculation and execute the replace.

Hope dis helps yinz aht 'n'at.

J

[brucepensyl]

THANK YOU!!! That is what I have been looking for. The day starts out great!