To what error does code 177 point?

I am using v.4.2.3.3 and am trying to relate two tables in base. The fields I am using are of the same type and one is a key. The error message I get is 177: integrity constraint violation - no parent. This must mean something - does anyone out there know?
SMRW

Found it! The answer is, of course, in the manual. I was relating two tables which already had some data in them. The key field side (1) was set to auto-increment. As I fluffed entering one record (tried to back-track before entering a non-null field) the auto counter skipped that number (14) and went on to 15. The other table (the ‘n’ side) had a record with number 14 in the linked field. I had entered this manually not noticing that the key had gone on to 15. Hence the message “no parent 14”. I should have read the manual sooner. A lesson here, I think.
SMRW

I think in this link in the Aoo forum there is useful information:

Using two tables in one form

Ah, yes. I have four tables and I am trying to make the relations I need between them to pull up the data I need. In each relation I have an integer key field in one table relating to a non-key field of similar type in another table. I am trying to make four links. Three of them work, but the fourth refuses to with this error message 177 regarding lack of parentage, whatever that is. Here is a link to a screen shot:

I am trying to link the key field in ‘Speakers’ to ‘SpeakerRef’ in ‘TalksGiven’ They are both integer fields.

It would help if we had a clearer idea of what you mean by ‘am trying to relate two tables in base’. Would you kindly clarify your database schema. Perhaps post a screenshot of your tables in the RELATIONSHIPS window. (It sounds like a key problem, though).

From the screenshot you provide, I notice that the PK ‘key’ in your congregation table is the parent of two foreign keys (FKs) in two separate tables (i.e. the tables TalksGiven and Speakers). Logically that means that the contents of your TalksGiven:Where column and your Speakers:Congregation column must be identical (i.e. redundant). Is that really what you intend? (Why do you need to store the same information twice?) I suspect your error message might be linked to this aspect of your design. How are you populating the contents of your TalksGiven:Where and Speakers:Congregation columns - are you using LIST BOXES on sub-form?

Anyway, what happens if you DELETE the 1:n constraint between Congregation:Key and TalksGiven:Where? Can you then make the 1:n link between Speakers:Key and TalksGiven:SpeakerRef?

Hi, Frofa. Thanks for your help. I tried deleting various relationships, but the one stayed vehemently incompatible. However I think you have shown me where the problem lies: my unfamiliarity with the medium. My contact with relational databasing has to date been conducted in 4GL rather than SQL. I have therefore downloaded the manual and shall endeavour to digest that. “If all else fails, consult the manual”! -SMRW

Hi SMRW: If you post a link so I can download your ‘sample’ database file (please remove any sensitive data if necessary) I will have a look at your design/scheme to see if I can figure out the cause of the error message. See the postings by Drew Jensen in this tutorial for a bit more info on integrity constraints and how they work in Base. NOTE: You don’t need to impose such constraints to get form-based filtering to work using the PK and FK relationships.