How to Delete a Relationship in Access 2003

Access 2003 allows you to create relationships that compare and assemble data. If you decide that a relationship is unnecessary, you can remove the relationship rather than deleting the entire table.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Access 2003

Instructions

1. Open the Microsoft Access 2003 program. If you have the program set to display the "Task Pane," all you need to do is find the name of the database that has relationships that you want to delete and left-click.

2. Click the "Display Database Window" button in the "Main Switchboard" window. This brings up the database information, which will be displayed in a new window within the Microsoft Access 2003 main window.

3. Go to the toolbar for the Access 2003 window. Left-click on "Tools" and then scroll down and click "Relationships." This will bring up a "Relationships" window that displays all of the tables within the database with defined relationships.

4. Right-click on one of the lines that you see connecting a pair of tables. This will bring up a short menu that will give you the option of either editing or deleting the relationship.

5. Select "Delete Relationship." A window will display asking if you are sure you want to permanently remove the relationship from the database. Click the "Yes" button to confirm your choice and delete the relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have Access 2003 set to display the "Task Pane" when you open the program, left-click on "View," scroll down to "Toolbars" and check "Task Pane."

• If you have set Access 2003 to display the "Database" toolbar, you can find a shortcut to the "Relationships" window. The shortcut's icon looks like a single table connected to two other tables. If the toolbar is fully expanded, you can find this icon near the "Help" button (the question mark in a blue circle).

• Verify that you are deleting the correct relationship before making any permanent changes.