Receiving 'Element is using storage alias' error when attempting to change dictionary column type

[Matthew Glenn]

Hey all,

I have 3 custom fields on Demand (dmn_demand) that I'm trying to change from type 'String (Full UTF-8)' to simply 'String'. While doing so, one of them gave the following error:

"Element is using storage alias. Cannot modify this element's type because it shares a storage alias: [task.a_str_12 shared with 3 total element(s)]"

The two other custom fields were updated without issue. I checked the 'sys_storage_alias' table and did in fact see that this column was sharing a storage alias, but am unsure on what to do or how to fix. Any suggestions before I call support?

I've found very little regarding this, including KB0594678, but that KB unfortunately doesn't help much.

I would like to note that the customization's we're making have yet to hit prod, so there's no worries about data destruction or anything similar at this point.

Currently running Geneva Patch 6 Hotfix 2

[Geoffrey2 · Accepted solution]

If you're not worried about data destruction, why don't you just delete the column and recreate it as a String?

[Matthew Glenn]

I have no idea why that didn't cross my mind. I'm still curious as to what's going on, but when it comes down to it, I guess that's the easiest way to correct the issue at hand.

Thank you!