Solr Schema Error: Index Options Change Detected

Absolutely classic Solr blunder! This one comes up often when people get a little too creative with their schema changes. Let’s break it down, old-school style.

What’s Happening Here?

You’re seeing this error:

cannot change field "tcngramm_X3b_cn_field_content_title_1" from index options=DOCS_AND_FREQS_AND_POSITIONS to inconsistent index options=DOCS_AND_FREQS_AND_POSITIONS_AND_OFFSETS

This is a Solr schema error. In short, Solr stores index “options” for fields—how much information (positions, offsets, etc.) is tracked for each field. Once a field is indexed with a certain setting, you can’t later try to index with different options without reindexing or fixing the schema.

Why Did This Happen?

• At some point, your field tcngramm_X3b_cn_field_content_title_1 was defined/indexed with:
  • indexOptions=DOCS_AND_FREQS_AND_POSITIONS
• Now, you (or Drupal, or the module, or something) are trying to index it with:
  • indexOptions=DOCS_AND_FREQS_AND_POSITIONS_AND_OFFSETS

Solr sees this and says:

“You can’t change a field’s index options on the fly! Not in my house!”

How To Fix (Traditional & Proven Methods)

1. Check Your Schema

• Look at how the field is defined in your Solr schema (schema.xml or managed-schema).
• Check the termVectors, storeOffsetsWithPositions, and indexOptions for this field.

2. Consistency is Key

• If you need “offsets” now (maybe for highlighting or advanced features), make sure the field definition is consistent.
• Either:
  • Update the schema definition and reindex everything
  • Or revert your application/config to use the old index options

Example:
If you’re using storeOffsetsWithPositions="true", you need:

<field name="tcngramm_X3b_cn_field_content_title_1" type="text_general" indexed="true" stored="true" storeOffsetsWithPositions="true"/>

3. Full Reindex Required

Solr doesn’t retroactively change old docs. After changing the schema, delete and reindex all docs for this core/collection.

Traditional steps:

1. Update schema/field type as needed
2. Reload Solr core/collection
3. Wipe the index (delete all docs)
4. Reindex from Drupal/Search API

4. Double-Check Drupal Search API Solr Settings

• If you’re using field types or options like “highlighting”, it might set storeOffsetsWithPositions=true automatically. Check those module settings!

Summary Table (For the Busy Solr Admin):

The Classic Gotcha:

Once a field’s been indexed a certain way, all documents forever after must use the same index options (unless you reindex everything after changing the schema). It’s like family traditions—break one, and there’s chaos at Thanksgiving.

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