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stevegeall's avatar
stevegeall
Copper Contributor
Apr 10, 2023

Quick question - single to multi text column type on large dataset

Hi there!

 

Just a quick question; I need to change a column type from "single text" to "multi text" on a SharePoint list that has 60,000 items. I know this is possible to do, the column isn't indexed, and I've done this on smaller lists before. I'm just concerned that this list item count of 60,000 could potentially cause an issue, would this be ok to do?

 

Cheers!

Steve.

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  • stevegeall's avatar
    stevegeall
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 11, 2023

    Thanks @Juan Carlos González Martín

    and ganeshsanap. Yep I've tested it in the same site but on a list with only 3 items 😄

    I'd just hate for the process to "die" because of the large amount of items (~60,000) and lose any of the current "single line" text in that column being updated to multiline text.

    Is there anyone who has performed a single -> multiline column type change in a list with a large number of items? And it has worked successfully.

    Thanks!
    Steve.

    • ganeshsanap's avatar
      ganeshsanap
      MVP
      Apr 11, 2023

      stevegeall All 60,000 items have some value in "single line of text" column?

       

      Also, you can take backup of list using Export to Excel functionality before changing column type. Follow: Export to Excel from SharePoint or Lists 

       

      I can test it from my end but creating 60,000 items in list with some value in single line of text column will take some time.

      Please click Mark as Best Response & Like if my post helped you to solve your issue. This will help others to find the correct solution easily. It also closes the item. If the post was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Like.

      For SharePoint/Power Platform blogs, visit: Ganesh Sanap Blogs

  • ganeshsanap's avatar
    ganeshsanap
    MVP
    Apr 11, 2023

    stevegeall This should work for you without any issues.

     

    However, I will suggest you to first do the test on dummy list in other/same SharePoint site (development site) if you have any and then do it on production list.

    Please click Mark as Best Response & Like if my post helped you to solve your issue. This will help others to find the correct solution easily. It also closes the item. If the post was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Like.

    For SharePoint/Power Platform blogs, visit: Ganesh Sanap Blogs

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