database size

  • Thread starter Thread starter CJ
  • Start date Start date
C

CJ

I have an order entry system that contains an order
details table & form. The data tables are separate from
the forms, queries, etc. There are 5 tabs with several
fields containing details about each order. One tab is a
linked OLE Corel Draw object (an art proof) that is used
to print out on a confirmation report. The problem is
that the data table is only 3 months old and is already
250mb. Is this normal/OK? I am linking the graphic (as
opposed to embedding it, but is this where all the space
is being used? I also have some text fields that are
longer than they need to be, can this take up extra
space? If so, how do I go back and change the sizes
without having to delete relationships? I have tried
compacting the tables DB, and that gets me about 30mb
less. I really would like to have access to old orders
since we have many re-orders, but if that's not possible,
then what is the best way to clear out the order table
from "date x to date y"? I would like to be able to
automate (or at least make it brain dead) the process of
cleaning/archiving if possible.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
You should not insert graphics on the database, but rather keep the graphic
files in a directory and store only the path name on the database.
Access converts all graphics to .bmp (bit mapped picture) which is the
largest graphic format. Not only that, but it also reserves space for new
graphics to be stored... and that's why even if you storing small graphic
files, the size of the database grows excessively.
 
CJ said:
I also have some text fields that are
longer than they need to be, can this take up extra
space?
Click to expand...

No. Access only uses what space the text requires.
If so, how do I go back and change the sizes
without having to delete relationships?
Click to expand...

Putting text fields in relationships is unusual unless you are using
natural keys.
I really would like to have access to old orders
since we have many re-orders, but if that's not possible,
then what is the best way to clear out the order table
from "date x to date y"? I would like to be able to
automate (or at least make it brain dead) the process of
cleaning/archiving if possible.
Click to expand...

Keep the old data in the MDB. It really doesn't slow things down that
much and makes life a lot easier when doing querying and reporting.

Tony
--
Tony Toews, Microsoft Access MVP
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