"Search Key Not Found in any Record" Error when delete

[Isomorphism]

I have front end form, query, and report database that sits on a desktop(5 computers), and a table database that sits on a server. All 5 front ends are linked to the backend. Every once in a while one of the records gets completely messed up--all the fields get jumbled--and when I try to delete and recreate the entry, it says Search Key Not Found. Has anyone heard of this, and if so, is there anything I can do?

[Rabbit]

How are you trying to delete it?

[Isomorphism]

going to the main table and clicking delete

[puppydogbuddy]

going to the main table and clicking delete

Here are some things to to try (be sure you have system backed up):
1. check and see if you have indexed a memo field ( a no no!) in that table.
2. If so, remove index, then try to delete the bad record.
3. Still no go? shut down FE and BE, then compact/repair BE.
4. try to delete bad record again.
5. still no go? make a "structure only" copy of table. Make sure no index on memo fields.
6. create append query that will exclude bad record and append good records to new table.

[MMcCarthy]

I have front end form, query, and report database that sits on a desktop(5 computers), and a table database that sits on a server. All 5 front ends are linked to the backend. Every once in a while one of the records gets completely messed up--all the fields get jumbled--and when I try to delete and recreate the entry, it says Search Key Not Found. Has anyone heard of this, and if so, is there anything I can do?

Is the table (backend) database written in Access?

If so this sounds like a form of corruption. This can happen on multi user databases when two users are trying to edit the same record at the same time. In the backend database go to Tools - Options and under the Advanced tab set the default record locking to Edited Record. This will prevent more than one user editing a record at the same time.

To recover your current records you will need to follow puppydogbuddy's instructions and create a new table and append the records. However, this is not always easy to do and sometimes it won't work. In this case I would copy and paste the records out to excel and import into the new table. Be careful of your formatting though.

[BradHodge]

I agree with Mary and PuppyDogBuddy's suggestion. This has happened to me in the past and the best thing you can do is "tip-toe" around those bad records. I especially like Mary's idea of copying and pasting to Excel, just make sure you stay clear of any bad records. I've had databases totally lock up and have had to go to my most recent back-up.

Good Luck!

[Isomorphism]

Thank You, I changed the setting in the advanced to edited record. And I exported, deleted, and re-imported using excell.