Applying file structure/format to updated txt file

[James Quigley]

Every three months I receive an update to a database in a txt file format. I
have to go and set up the file structure or format everytime I want to use
the new txt file. The file structure / format never changes. Is there a way
to apply a standardized file structure / format to the txt file when I
receive it?

 

[Phil Hellmuth]

Every three months I receive an update to a database in a txt file format. I
have to go and set up the file structure or format everytime I want to use
the new txt file. The file structure / format never changes. Is there a way
to apply a standardized file structure / format to the txt file when I
receive it?

If I'm reading this correctly, you could create a table with the proper
column definitions, then programatically import the file into the table.

 

[John W. Vinson]

Every three months I receive an update to a database in a txt file format. I
have to go and set up the file structure or format everytime I want to use
the new txt file. The file structure / format never changes. Is there a way
to apply a standardized file structure / format to the txt file when I
receive it?

Yes, there is!

Use File... Get External Data... Import, and go through the column name and
datatype settings as usual. Then click the "Advanced" button on the menu.

You'll get the option to save the import specifications and reuse them later.
If you wish to automate the import process in VBA, you can use the saved
specification in conjunction with the TransferText method - see the online
help, or post back for more.

John W. Vinson [MVP]

 

[Tom Wickerqueer]

bull shit


it is not reccomended to use Access for importing data like this; it is
reccomended that you get a copy of SQL Server developers edition and learn
DTS