This article explains how to create and run an append query. You use an append query when you need to add new records to an existing table by using data from other sources. If you need to change data in an existing set of records, such as updating the value of a field, you can use an update query. If you need to make a new table from a selection of data, or to merge two tables into one new table, you can use a make-table query. For more information about update queries or make-table queries, or for general information about other ways to add records to a database or change existing data, see the See Also section. An append query selects records from one or more data sources and copies the selected records to an existing table. For example, suppose that you acquire a database that contains a table of potential new customers, and that you already have a table in your existing database that stores that kind of data. You'd like to store the data in one place, so you decide to copy it from the new database into your existing table. To avoid entering the new data manually, you can use an append query to copy the records. By using a query to copy data, you can:
The process of creating an append query follows these basic steps:
Important: You cannot undo an append query. Consider backing up your database or the destination table.
The way that you choose destination fields depends on how you created your select query in Step 1.
If Access leaves fields blank, you can click a cell in the Append to row and select a destination field. This figure illustrates how you click a cell in the Append to row and select a destination field.
Note: If you leave the destination field blank, the query will not append data to that field.
Top of Page If you try to run an append query and it seems like nothing happens, check the Access status bar for the following message: This action or event has been blocked by Disabled Mode. To fix this, click Enable Content in the Message Bar to enable the query.
Note: When you enable the append query, you also enable all other database content. If you don't see the Message Bar, it may be hidden. You can show it, unless it has also been disabled. If the Message Bar has been disabled, you can enable it. Top of Page Create and run an update query Add one or more records to a database Create a make table query |