When data is imported into database tables, it is possible to overlook or disrupt the auto-numbering sequence for a particular table. The Serial Columns utility was designed to identify and correct problems caused by this scenario. To identify and correct sequence problems, select the "Serial Columns" option. The following screen will appear:
When identifying and correcting sequence problems, you are presented with the following options:
- Only Show Problems
Select to include only tables which have sequencing problems in the display. No problems will exist as long as the "Next Key" value is equal to or greater than the "Largest Key Used" value. A problem exists if the "Largest Key Used" value is greater than the "Next Key" value.
- Tables
Display lists the complete set of database tables and corresponding sequences. If the "Only Show Problems" option is selected, then only those tables which have sequence problems will be included in the display.
To the far right of the list, the following buttons are available:
- CLOSE
Closes the screen, returning you to the application desktop.
- QUERY
Select to generate the display, using the specified parameters.
- FIX ALL
Select to fix all the sequence problems in all the tables.
- FIX
Highlight a table and then select this option to fix only the highlighted sequence problem.