How to Create a Field That Automatically Generates Numbers in Access 2003

The AutoNumber field in Access 2003 automatically generates a unique number whenever you enter a new record in a table. Here's how to use it.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Access 2003

Instructions

1. Open a table in "Design" view.

2. Right-click the row where you want to add a field.

3. Click "Insert Rows."

4. Type a name for the field in the "Field Name" column.

5. Click the arrow in the "Data Type" column.

6. Click "AutoNumber."

7. Click the "New Values" box. Choose "Incremental" to make the numbers sequential; choose "Random" for random numbers.

Tips & Warnings

• An AutoNumber field is a suitable choice for a table's primary key because the value is unique for each record in a table.

• When you delete a record at the end of the table with an incrementing AutoNumber field, the deleted values will recycle after you compact the database.

• You can't change the value in an AutoNumber field.