Identifying Object Dependencies

As you develop a database, you create a relationship between objects to share data and provide the information in forms and reports. When you make changes to one object, it might affect another object. For example, if you no longer need a field in a table, instead of deleting it right away and possibly creating problems, you can check object dependencies to make sure that the field you want to delete is not used in another table. Checking for object dependencies helps you save time and avoid mistakes. Access generates dependency information by searching name maps maintained by the Name AutoCorrect feature. If Track Name AutoCorrect Info is turned off on the General tab in the Options dialog box, you cannot view dependency information.

View Dependency Information

In the Database window, click the object in which you want to view dependencies.

Click the View menu, and then click Object Dependencies.

Click the Objects That Depend On Me option or the Objects That I Depend On option.

The Object Dependencies task pane shows the list of objects that use the selected object.

To view dependency information for an object listed in the pane, click on the Expand icon (+) next to it.

When you're done, click the Close button on the task pane.

Did You Know? You can view a list of database objects. Click the File menu, click Database Properties, and then click the Contents tab. When you're done, click OK.

Dependency Information Object Dependent Description Table Table or query A relationship is defined between the objects Table Form Fields in the selected table look up values Query Table or query Query is bound to the table or query Form Table or query Form is bound to the table or query Form Form Form includes the other form as a subform Report Table or query Report is bound to the table or query Report Form Report includes the form as a subform Report Report Report include the other report as a subreport