ACC: "Circular Reference Caused by Alias" Error Message

Last reviewed: May 7, 1997
Article ID: Q97526

The information in this article applies to:

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 try to run a query, the query fails and you receive the following error message:

   Circular reference caused by alias '<field name>' in query
   definition's SELECT list.

CAUSE

The alias, or label, of a calculated field cannot be identical to any of the field names used to calculate the field.

RESOLUTION

Change the name of the alias or label used by the calculated expression or let Microsoft Access automatically assign an alias or label.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

Open the sample database Northwind.mdb (or NWIND.MDB in versions 1.x and 2.0).

Create a new query based on the Products table as shown below:

      Query: Test Query
      -----------------------------------
      Type: Select Query
        Field: UnitPrice: [UnitPrice]/100
        Table: Products

      NOTE: In versions 1.x and 2.0, there is a space in Unit Price.

On the Query menu, click Run. Note that you receive the following error message:

      Circular reference caused by alias 'UnitPrice' in query
      definition's SELECT list.

To resolve the error replace the UnitPrice label with Price. For example:

    Field: Price: [UnitPrice]/100

    NOTE: In versions 1.x and 2.0, there is a space in Unit Price.

REFERENCES

For more information about renaming fields in queries, search the Help Index for "Renaming fields," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.

Keywords : kberrmsg kbusage QryOthr
Version : 1.0 1.1 2.0 7.0 97
Platform : WINDOWS
Hardware : X86
Issue type : kbprb
Resolution Type : Info_Provided

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Last reviewed: May 7, 1997
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