Change field name in a OOo Table

[John Gregson]

I am using OOo v 2.2.1; PC version.
I am VERY new to Open Office.
I have managed to import a database Table from MS Works v.8.
I saved the Works table in Dbf ver 4; then (somehow) managed to get it into a OOo Table
I can open and see the new imported table in Open Office, but some of the field names need to be changed; looks as though the Works to Dbf conversion messed these fileld names up.
But I can't see how to change the Table Field names. I did try to find this subject in the Base Help, but no luck; probably missed it!
Rather confused at this point; any help appreciated.

John.
_________________
jfgregson@shaw.ca
Canada

[MSPhobe]

I'm not too sure where you've got to... what is this "dbf" format you speak of?

When you say you moved your data into ooBase... do you mean that you now have a native ooBase table, or are you looking at the Works db by connecting to it with ooBase? (I think in the long run you'll be happier if you are in the first situation... but it will mean leaving using Works behind, for this data at least.)

ANYWAY!... If you haven't done much more than set up the table, you should be able to change the field names by opening the table for edit... edit of the table's structure, that is, not merely the data in it. (Even if you have done more, you should be able to change the field names, but there may be consequential effects.)

This you do by....

Start ooBase, which should leave you with the main ooBase project manager on the screen.
In the column at the left, select "Tables"
You should now in the lower right hand pane see the name of your tabke(s)
Right click on the one you want to make changes to.
That should give you a pop-up menu with "edit" as a choice.
Click on that.
That should give you a grid, one field per row.

If you don't get that "edit" option, you may have the old Java RTE setup problem.

Details of fixing Java problem at...

http://sheepdogguides.com/fdb/fdb1install.htm

(Which will take you to other beginners tutorials, too.)

[John Gregson]

Thanks for your quick reply.
I'm now working with a native OOo Table.
Regarding that "Dbf" format.

MS Works uses, I believe, its own format, but using the 'Save As' command, you can save the Table in a 'Dbf' format; I believe that this is a dBase format.

I followed your instructions and finally got to the 'Project Manager'; but to get this far I first had to go through the 'Database Wizard', then, 'Open an Existing Database file'
In any case I can now see and use the Table edit screen.
Again, my thanks to you!

John.
_________________
jfgregson@shaw.ca
Canada

[bbigham]

Just to let MSPhobe know -- I was searching for the answer to this question and came upon this forum. You gave me just the info I needed!

Two and a half years after you posted it, it's STILL helpful. Thanks!