Expert: Scottgem - 2/2/2005

Question
I have an exisitng Access field (double data type) for PTNo.  The data I'm loading from a flat file through a VB 6.0 app has changed from 8 digits to 12 digits.  Is there a way for Access to handle this many digits in a double field?  I can't go the route of changing the field to text, because the field is indexed and joined to other tables. When I load the new patient numbers, they end up presenting as follows:  "3.00500000025E+11".  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!  -Tom  

Answer
Well frankly, I think you made a mistake in design. Unless a number is going to be used in calculations, then it should be setup as a text field. Something like a "Patient Number" should have been text. However that's for future reference.

Your problem is more likely in the FORMATTING of the control that is displaying the number. Change the format to Fixed and you should be OK.

HTH
Scott<>