About appending records with AutoNumber fields

Depending on how you design an append query, Microsoft Access can automatically add new AutoNumber values, or retain the values from the original table.

• To have Microsoft Access add AutoNumber values automatically, don't drag the AutoNumber field to the query design grid when you create the query.

  With this method, Microsoft Access appends records and automatically inserts AutoNumber values. The first record appended has a value that is one larger than the largest entry that was ever entered in the AutoNumber field (even if the record that contained the largest AutoNumber value has been deleted).

• To keep the AutoNumber values from the original table, drag its AutoNumber field to the query design grid when you create the query.

  If the AutoNumber field in the table you're appending to is a primary key, and the original table and the table you're appending to contain duplicate AutoNumber values, use the first method instead.