Importing information from databases created in programs 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 prefer to have 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 Microsoft Office Word, and manipulate it there before importing it into Access. Access can import data from the following versions of dBASE, Paradox, and Lotus 1-2-3:
In this exercise, you will import information from a dBASE file into an existing table in an Access database. The process of importing the other file types is essentially the same.
USE the 09_ImportDbase database and the 09_Ship dBase file. These practice files are located in the Chapter03 subfolder under SBS_Access2007. OPEN the 09_ImportDbase database.
CLOSE the 09_ImportDbase database. |