---
title: "Error when merging records using large category table"
url: "https://openforis.support/questions/4157/error-when-merging-records-using-large-category-table"
tags: ["arena"]
status: "answered"
score: 0
answer_count: 2
asked: "2024-12-27T23:33:11"
last_activity: "2025-01-09T17:34:04"
source: "Open Foris Support - Q&A Forum"
license: "Copyright Open Foris, 2026. Some rights reserved under creative commons license."
---

# Error when merging records using large category table

Asked by bnagelson on 2024-12-27

Hello OF Team,

I am designing a new survey and plan to rely heavily on the new merging functionality. I plan to merge records using key attributes that are selected from the first two levels of a hierarchical category (cluster and plot). The same hierarchical category is used downstream in the survey for sub-plots and tree IDs, which means that this hierarchical category is very large (~43k rows). When I attempt to merge two records, which are of the same cluster and plot but contain different sub-plots (and trees within sub-plots), I cause "Error 500", and the merging window does not appear. When I truncate the same heirarchical table down to 499 rows and use this in my survey, I am able to merge two records without issue. Do you think there is a way to fix this merging issue related to large category tables? 

Thank you!

Bryant


## Answer (score 0, by Stefano (OF) on 2024-12-28)

Link: https://openforis.support/questions/4157/error-when-merging-records-using-large-category-table/4158

Dear Bryant,  
We will check this issue and let you know.  
Many thanks,  
Open Foris Team


## Answer (score 0, by Stefano (OF) on 2025-01-07)

Link: https://openforis.support/questions/4157/error-when-merging-records-using-large-category-table/4162

Dear Bryant,  
A new version of Arena with the fix is up and running.  
Please let us know if you have any other issues, many thanks.  
Open Foris Team

> Thank you! It appears to be working now with my large category. Much appreciated. (bnagelson)