Importing information from databases other than Access is usually an all-or-nothing situation, and quite often, what you get isn’t in the exact format you need. You might find, for example, that transaction records include redundant information, such as the name of the product or purchaser, in every record. A database containing information about people might include the full name and address in one field, when you would like separate fields for the first name, last name, street address, and so on. You can choose to import information as it is and manipulate it in Access, or you can move it into some other program, such as Excel or Word, and manipulate it there before importing it into Access.
Access can import data from the following versions of dBASE, Lotus 1-2-3, and Paradox:
Program | Versions |
|---|---|
dBASE | III, IV, 5, and 7 |
Lotus 1-2-3 | WKS, WK1, WK3, W4 |
Paradox | 3, 4, 5, 8 |
In this exercise, you will import information from a dBASE file into the Shippers table in the GardenCo database.
USE the GardenCo and Shippers databases in the practice file folder for this topic. These practice files are located in the My DocumentsMicrosoft PressAccess 2003 SBSImportingImportDbase folder and can also be accessed by clicking Start/All Programs/Microsoft Press/Access 2003 Step by Step.
OPEN the GardenCo database and acknowledge the safety warning, if necessary.
On the File menu, point to Get External Data, and then click Import to open the Import dialog box.
In the Files of type list, click dBASE 5.
Navigate to the My DocumentsMicrosoft PressAccess 2003 SBSImportingImportDbase folder, click Shippers, and then click Import.
A message box appears, informing you that the file was imported.
Click OK to close the message box, click Close to close the Import dialog box, and then double-click Shippers to open the table and confirm that five records were imported properly.
Close the table.
CLOSE the GardenCo database.