How do I construct a relational database from a flat-file one

[krisskross]

I have been using a flat-file databasde in Excel for years and I really want
to make it relational. I know how to create a database in Access, but I am
struggling with the portions of data to convert into seperate tables and how
to build the relationships.

My flat file database logs vehicle data and is divided into the following
columns:

Make
Model
Version
Body Type
Segment
Price
VAT
Base Price
then follows 8 columns of technical data followed by a further 13 colums of
numeric data.

How can I easily duvude all this up into relations.

 

[jahoobob via AccessMonster.com]

Are the eight and thirteen columns of data categorized such as front
suspension, rear suspension, etc and mileage, oil change interval, etc. If
they are then your flat file should be imported as is into one table.

 

[mnature]

There are a number of Idiot's Guide type books about Access, which are good
for just getting your feet wet. For guides on database design, I would
recommend Hernandez' book, Database Design for Mere Mortals (now in 2nd
edition), and O'Reilly's Access Database Design & Programming. The one main
reference book (and I emphasize that it is for reference) would be Microsoft
Office Access 2003 Inside Out.

If you have worked with spreadsheets, you will have to relearn everything
you think you know about data management. Start with pencil and paper before
you even open the Access program. Normalization is a way of organizing your
data so that you can pull the information you need from it. You especially
need to normalize tables if you are using repeating names of fields within
your tables, or if you have duplicate data within a field.

Some good condensed information for you, from the Microsoft people:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283878/EN-US/

 

[mnature]

Though you don't mention what this database is for, it looks a bit like a car
dealership. There is a sample model of how to set up tables and
relationships here:

http://www.databaseanswers.org/data_models/car_dealership/index.htm

The main site is here, with quite a few different data models, in case you
want to look at any others:

http://www.databaseanswers.org/data_models/index.htm