ACC: "Couldn't Insert or Paste; Data Too Long for Field" Msg

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 7.0, 97

SYMPTOMS

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

When you enter data in a new record on a form or in a table, you may receive the following error message:

   In Microsoft Access 97:

      The field is too small to accept the amount of data you attempted to
      add. Try inserting or pasting less data.

   In Microsoft Access 7.0:

      Couldn't perform operation; data too long for field

   In Microsoft Access 2.0:

      Couldn't insert or paste; data too long for field

CAUSE

This error occurs if one of the fields in the record has a default value that exceeds that field's FieldSize property setting.

RESOLUTION

Increase the field's FieldSize property setting to be equal to or larger than the field's default value. Or, change the field's default value so that it does not exceed the field's FieldSize property setting.

MORE INFORMATION

The error message is not displayed until you enter data in a record because the record is not marked for saving to the table until you make some change to the record.

This error will also cause a "#Error" message to be displayed in the field whose default value exceeds its FieldSize property setting.

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Start Microsoft Access and open any database.

2. Create and then save the following new table:

         Table: Too Long
         -------------------------
         Field Name: One
            Data Type: Text
            FieldSize: 5
            DefaultValue: Too Long
         Field Name: Two
            Data Type: Text
   
   

3. Create a form based on the Too Long table.

4. View the form in Form view, and type any data in the Two field. Note that you receive the error message mentioned in the "Symptoms" section.