How to add new columns to database with distribution of package update 1

[johnk]

We develop applications which can be used with either Jet or SQL Server.&nbsp;&nbsp;All of our apps are written using ADO.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our installation routines for upgrades add (and modify) columns as necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;For our SQL Server users, we have used SQL statements successfully for all needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;For our Access users we cannot (using ADO) add a text column and have Allow Zero Length data set to Yes, something we must do.<br><br>We can think of 2 ways to do this, both with drawbacks:<br>1. A separate routine for Jet users which would use DAO.<br>2. Distributing a “blank” database & copying old data into new tables.<br><br>Is there anyway that ADO can be used to add columns to Jet tables and specify all characteristics?<br> <p>John Kisner<br><a href=mailto:jlkisner@jlkisner.com>jlkisner@jlkisner.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br>

 

[Cornerstone]

No. You need to use DAO.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can reference pg 577 in the MS Office Visual Basic Programmer's Guide for when to use which Data Access Tech.&nbsp;&nbsp;I use a combination of both in several applications.<br><br>

 

[johnk]

Thanks Cornerstone,<br><br>That was a concise and pertinent response.<br><br>We are now considering converting all of our Jet users to MSDE.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then we can make all updates with ADO & SQL statements.&nbsp;&nbsp;Any of our customers that use the Access language for reports, etc. can still do so via linked tables. <p>John Kisner<br><a href=mailto:jlkisner@jlkisner.com>jlkisner@jlkisner.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br>