Attribute table in QGIS won't save custom values

Question

I am trying to edit a point shapefile in QGIS and I have editing on for that layer. I have added a new column for the custom data, I have set it to text and have 8 characters allowed in the column, but every time I save and toggle editing off all of the values go back to null.

Answer 1

There may be something weird with the shapefile, in case QGIS have write access on this file.

In this case, I have two ideas for you:

1) To diagnosticate the shapefile for anomalies, using the shp_doctor tool.

If you are on Windows and you don't want to loose time with the shp_doctor compilation from sources, then you may download a working executable, tested for viruses, from here. (Press the yellow button - Download now, File Size: 567.1 kb)

Below is such a test, with a healthy file, but I'm expecting in your case, to see a hint for your shapefile bad behaviour:

2) I think this is the quick-and-dirty way to solve your problem, regardless of the cause of errors (I hope not to be wrong!):

• open up the attribute table of your weird shapefile;
• select only those healthy point features, omitting those with null values;
• right click the layer name and choose Save Selection As...;
• choose ESRI Shapefile as Format;
• choose a name and a location for the new, healty layer;
• check Add saved file to map and press Ok.

Now, working with the new point layer should be smooth!