Import - Only data that has changed

[RichW]

When importing data (xls) an append function adds the new rows of data to an
existing table; for example, if you have a table with 5 rows of data and you
append 2 rows to the table, you now have 7 rows of data in the table. This
also means that the associations you have established for your first 5 rows
remain intact.

But, what if the data you wish to import makes a change to 1 of the first 5
rows, or adds a new row within the first 5 rows, essentially shifting the
other rows down by 1 and making 6 rows? How are those original associations
kept intact?

 

[PieterLinden via AccessMonster.com]

When importing data (xls) an append function adds the new rows of data to an
existing table; for example, if you have a table with 5 rows of data and you
append 2 rows to the table, you now have 7 rows of data in the table. This
also means that the associations you have established for your first 5 rows
remain intact.

Oh, you're expecting Access to act like Excel. It doesn't. There is really
no such thing as "location" in a table. It's an unordered pile. If you need
order, use a query. "Associations" - In Access, you do this with
relationships (A column in table 1 has the same type and may have some of the
same values as a column in table 2.)

 

[RichW]

Pieter,

Thank you for your response. You suggested that I create a query, so I
began researching this and found an excellent step-by-step instruction of
just how to do do that; visit Doug Steele's website:

http://www.accessmvp.com/DJSteele/SmartAccess.html

The November 2003 article creates a query for when we are faced with the
following: "If I've got new data, how can I process it so that matching rows
in my master table are updated and new rows are inserted?"

Pieter, thanks for the help...I wouldn't have come across Doug's article
without your suggestion.

Rich