ACC: How to Import DataEase Data Files

• Microsoft Access versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 7.0, 97

SUMMARY

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

Microsoft Access does not import DataEase data files directly, but you can export DataEase data to a formatted disk file that Microsoft Access can import. The information in this article applies to DataEase versions 4.2, 4.5, and 4.53. DataEase is a character-based relational database system.

To export DataEase data from DataEase, create a DQL report, specify the Format as export, and set the Print Style to print to a disk file. Select one of the following export formats to create a file Microsoft Access can import:

   Lotus           (creates a .WKS file)
   Variable Length (creates a delimited ASCII text file)
   Fixed Length    (creates a fixed-width ASCII text file)

MORE INFORMATION

Export Using DataEase

To create a formatted disk file in DataEase 4.x, create a DQL report using the following steps. For more detailed information about creating reports, please refer to the DataEase documentation.

1. Define the report specifying the fields you want to include in the output.

2. Specify the report Format as Export by choosing either Define Format or Modify Format under either DQL Advanced Processing or Query by Example - Quick Reports.

   Select 7. Export under Define Format or Modify Format. You should see the following list of the export formats DataEase supports:

         * 1. Lotus (wks)
           2. GrafTalk
           3. MultiMate
           4. WordPerfect
           5. Mail-Merge
         * 6. Variable Length
         * 7. Fixed Length
           8. DIF
   
      Choose 1, 2, or 6. Depending on your choice, DataEase may ask you if you
      want to include field names in the exported file.
   
   

3. Specify the Print Style for the report. Enter the Report Destination as option #3 Disk to print to a disk file. Then enter a valid file name in the Filename field.

Import Using Microsoft Access

1. Start Microsoft Access and open your database.

2. On the File menu, click Import.

3. In the Data Source box, select the import format that matches the export format you chose in DataEase.

Choosing Export/Import Format

Here are some things to consider when choosing an export/import format.

Microsoft Access can import Lotus (.WKS) files and create a table with field names if you included the field names when exporting in DataEase. During the import process, Microsoft Access asks you if the first row contains field names. Most DataEase data types should convert to appropriate Microsoft Access field types.

If you choose the Variable Length format when exporting, DataEase will ask you to enter the field separator. Enter a comma (,). Microsoft Access recognizes the comma as the default field separator.

If you choose the Fixed Length format when exporting in DataEase, you will need to create an Import Specification file in Microsoft Access before importing the file.

For additional information registered DataEase users should contact DataEase International.

REFERENCES

For more information about importing data, search the Help Index for "importing data," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.