Converting Datatypes

[Mattastic]

Hi,

I need to change a varchar field in my DB to a small date/time field. The
problem is I don't want to lose the data, as I have quite a lot of records. Is
there a way I can convert the varchar into a date?

TIA

[mxstu]

Assuming all of the values in the column can be cast as the new type
(datetime), most databases have a command that allows you to change a column's
type. (ex. ALTER COLUMN ...) . If not, you should be able to add a new
column, with the type "datetime", insert the values from the old column, drop
the old column and rename the new column.

Important - Always make a backup first before performing any changes!

[Mattastic]

Hi, Thanks for that, I have 60 records need changing and I'm using SQl server, do you know the format to which I can key in the dates by hand?

[mxstu]

Why key dates by hand? If the values are all in 'mm/dd/yyyy' format, just use ALTER TABLE ... ALTER COLUMN ...

[Mattastic]

OK thanks, not sure how to do that though, can you do it in Enterprise Manager?

[mxstu]

'ALTER TABLE ....' is a sql statement and would need to be executed through the query analyzer. If you're using the Enterprise Manager gui, I think you need to use the 'design table' option.