membership program calculates wrong

I have a membership program (monthly membership fee 10 dollars) that is not allocating the members correctly. It is suppose to start at number 1 and continue 2, 3, 4, and so on. I tested it ... and, I joined 40 test people ... and then deleted 39 ... leaving number 1 still there ... but ... it shows that there are invisible members in those spots ... it never cleared them ... and will not allow for any of those spots to be reused ... Right now, if you would join, it would keep number 1 and then jump to 41. How can I fix this?

It sounds like you're using auto_increment - it will never go back, it just gives a number 1 bigger than before each time. It doesn't mean that 2-40 are still there...

Hi xs0,

Yes ... you are correct ... it is in auto_increment ...

should I change this?

I don't want to launch this to the public if this will be a problem ... I would be sooo grateful for your suggetions....!!!

Thank you again,
Sandy

BTW, I also want you to know that I understand now what you mean about the numbering ... but ... for the sake of making sure this is completely correct (because of my calculations in my spreadsheet and what the payouts are) .... I needed to see, first-hand, as people joined, how the system would work and if it worked exactly as I had calculated it. The subsequent numbering of people was just a very small step ... the payouts are (lololol) my next concern. lol ... just dotting my i's and crossing my t's. Can you please take a look at the website if you are not too busy ...? http://www.recyclemoney.com

xso ... sorry for the long explanation ... but ... I wanted to make sure you knew this ...

thank you so much,
Sandy

I was wrong about that website name ...
I typed it wrong ... sorry ..
plus ... another factor concerning the join number was that once a person joins, they will be given a number ... I needed this to be accurate and jump to number 2 (even after the position has been deleted someone else should be able to use it).

it is http://www.recycledmoney.com

thanks,
plutodip

ok ... can I delete all records, including number 1 and just start over ... and, will the system in my sql allow this?

If I do, should I turn off auto_increment?

any suggestions ... PLEASE!

thanks for all of the help,
plutodip

you have to drop and recreate the table...Thw numbering will start from 1 again...