How do I alter the data type in a Paradox database (BDE)?  What
application can I use (for Windows) and what is the process?  I want
to change a field from a SHORT to a LONG.

Hello, mayerman:

  The best way to alter a field data type in a Paradox table without
loosing your data is by using a Borland utility called Database
Desktop, it comes as a goodie for their development tools Delphi and
C++Builder.
  
The process is very easy, you just need to open up the .db file, click
on the reestructure button and then, click on the data type of the
field you want to change, then you press Space and a list of possible
data types is shown. Change it to "Long Integer" and then press the
save button.
  
All the data will remain the same, but the field will be now a Long Integer.
  
Unfortunately, Database Desktop is not sold separately from Delphi or
C++Builder, so you can use it if you have any of these products, but
you cannot download anywhere.
  
Another alternative is to use ISDBExplorer, which is also able to
restructure Paradox tables:
  
ISDBExplorer
http://www.intersys.com.ua/html/eng/ISDBExplorer.htm  

Here is the direct download:

ISDBExplorer.zip
ftp://www.intersys.com.ua/ISDBExplorer.zip

It's a bit more complicated than Database Desktop, here are the instructions:

-Copy your .db and .px* files to an alias directory (if you don't know
what is this, please, request for a clarification)
-Open ISDBExplorer
-Select the alias where you copied your table
-Select your table and right click with the mouse
-Select the option "Table Utilities" and then "Restructure"
-A dialog will appear with the table fields and their types, right
click on the data type of the file you want to change and set it to
Long Integer
-Now click on Save

It's done!

All this is a bit complicated to explain, but very easy to do, if it's
just a one time operation, I can do it for you, just put the file
somewhere on the net so I can download it and I will restructure it
for you.

Please, don't hesitate to request for any clarification, I'm here to help you.

Regards.

Thanks for the thorough explanation regarding this issue.  I was able
to successfully alter the field in the database table.