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Item - change field type from decimal number to text, without loosing the value of already created items

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Hans Ravnsfjall
Hans Ravnsfjall
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Posted on 29/08/2018 08:11:26

Hi

Is it possible to somehow change the type of a field in an itemtype from decimal number to text, without loosing data of already created items? (we have 2.000 items, and don´t want to enter all data again)

 

If i eg. have an item type field of the type decimal number, and systemname "MyField" - how can i change this to a textfield in the database, without loosing existing data?

 

/Hans


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Morten Bengtson Dynamicweb Employee
Morten Bengtson
Posted on 29/08/2018 09:16:36
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Hi Hans,

It is not possible to do this in the administration, but it is possible to do it directly by making changes to the database table and itemtype definition.
You can do this (at your own risk)...

  1. Create a backup - just in case ;)
  2. In SQL Server right click the ItemType_* table and select "Design". Change the column data type from float to nvarchar(max). Save changes.
  3. Find the item type definition file in /Files/System/Items. Modify the definition for the field to use System.String instead of System.Double and use Dynamicweb.Content.Items.Editors.TextEditor instead of Dynamicweb.Content.Items.Editors.DecimalEditor. Save changes.
  4. You might need to recycle the application pool in IIS to ensure that all caches are cleared.

If a warning pops up in SQL Server when trying to change the column type then you might need to uncheck the setting "Prevent saving changes that require the table to be re-created". See Save (Not Permitted) Dialog Box.

An alternative (and more safe) approach is to just create a new item field and then copy over the values from the old item field.

Best regards,
Morten

Votes for this answer: 1
 
Hans Ravnsfjall
Hans Ravnsfjall
Posted on 29/08/2018 09:46:26
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Ok

Gonna have to think twice about this before i decide to get into this. In case I do, how can I get access to the SQL server on a shared hosting, not custom, Dynamicweb W&E solution?

/Hans

 
Morten Bengtson Dynamicweb Employee
Morten Bengtson
Posted on 29/08/2018 10:36:29
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With shared hosting you don't have direct access to the SQL database. You'll have to find another solution or contact Service Desk and ask them to take a closer look at it.

/Morten

Votes for this answer: 1
 
Nicolai Pedersen
Posted on 29/08/2018 10:39:42
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Hi Hans

An alternative solution is to make a new field with the right type, and go to settings, database, sql firehose and do a "update table set newfield = oldfield" maybe with a convert.

BR Nicolai

Votes for this answer: 2
 
Hans Ravnsfjall
Hans Ravnsfjall
Posted on 29/08/2018 10:43:49
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Ok, thank you

Will look into that

/Hans

 

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