Modify column data type without dropping table

“String or binary data would be truncated.”

This is a common error if you’re trying to update a field with more data than it allows, e.g. trying to update a char(30) field with a 50 character string.

 

If you try to modify the column data type you’ll get a new error:

“The changes you made require the following tables to be dropped and re-created”. This might be an inconvenience for you.

Easy fix:  Go to Tools >> Options >> Select Designer and Uncheck >> “Prevent saving changes that require table re-creation”

 

And you’re DONE!  Modify the data type and run your update query.