ACC95: Name Conflict Causes "Synchronization Failed" Error

• Microsoft Access 7.0

SYMPTOMS

Moderate: Requires basic macro, coding, and interoperability skills.

When you synchronize a replica set, you may receive the following error message:

   Synchronization between replica 'C:\<Path>\<ReplicaName>.mdb' and
   'C:\<Path>\<OtherReplicaName>.mdb' failed.

   The synchronization failed because a design change could not be applied
   to one of the replicas.

CAUSE

A local object in the replica has the same name as a replicable object in the Design Master. To prevent loss of data during synchronization, Microsoft Access version 7.0 generates a design error rather than overwriting the local object with the replicable object that has the same name.

RESOLUTION

Rename the local object in the replica so that the name conflict no longer occurs, and then synchronize again.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

In Microsoft Access 97, when you synchronize a replica set, and a local object in the replica has the same name as a replicable object in the Design Master, the local object is renamed <ObjectName>_Local so that it is not overwritten by the replicable object in the Design Master.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to Reproduce Behavior

1. Start Microsoft Access version 7.0, and open a new blank database.

2. On the Tools menu, point to Replication, and then click Create Replica.

3. When asked if you want Microsoft Access to close the database and create the replica, click Yes.

4. Click No when prompted to create a backup.

5. In the Location Of New Replica dialog box, note the folder that appears in the Save In box and the name that appears in the File Name box. Click OK.

6. When you receive the message that the replica has been created, click OK.

7. Create a new form not based on any table or query in Design view.

8. On the File menu, click Save. In the Form Name box, type "frmTest" (without the quotation marks). Click to select the Make Replicable check box, and then click OK.

9. Close the Design Master and open the replica.

10. Create a new form not based on any table or query in Design view.

11. On the File menu, click Save. In the Form Name box, type "frmTest" (without the quotation marks). Close the form.

12. On the Tools menu, point to Replication, and then click Synchronize Now.

13. In the Synchronize Database dialog box, make sure that the Synchronize With box contains the name of the Design Master. Click OK.

    Note that you receive the error described in the "Symptoms" section.

REFERENCES

For more information about design changes in replicas, search the Microsoft Access 7.0 Help Index for "replicas, changing design of," and then select the topic "Suggestions when changing the design of a replicated database."