How to Change a 'Type' Without Data Loss (or Custom Coding)
Applies To Version(s): 3, 3.5, 3.7
Example: Data is being collected in a Single Line of Text field type; you want to change that to a date field type.
To do this work you need to be Internet Explorer and have administration (delete) privileges. You will need to make and change views so that you can see fields that you are going to update or copy from. You will use Datasheet to update data.
You need to manage your time so you can do all of the work at one sitting. (Or manage breaks well!)
Steps
Backup the list you are about to change by Saving a list as a Template (with data) - (Here).
Edit the name of the Column you want to change the type of (Date of Audit > Date of Audit Backup).
Settings -> List settings > Column you want to rename (Date of Audit) > Column Name: Date of Audit Backup > Click OK
- From List settings, Click Create a column.
- Create a new column with the type you want the information to be in, and name it the Original name (Name: Date of Audit Type: Date and time).
- Return to the list, Click Views: All Items > click Create View > Standard View >
View Name: Type Change View > Check only the Date of Audit checkbox and Date of Audit Backup checkbox > Click OK.
- Actions > Edit in Datasheet > Copy existing data from your renamed column (Date of Audit Backup) to the new column (Date of Audit).
Actions > click Show in Standard View.
View: All Items
Check and test pages and reports.
Settings, delete Date of Audit Backup
Report anything that doesn’t work to your assigned Product Expert