File: Transferring a Data File into Microsoft Works

ID: Q26368

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft File, versions 1.0, 1.01, 1.02, 1.04
  • Microsoft Works for the Macintosh, versions 1.x, 2.0, 3.0

SUMMARY

Because Microsoft File saves text files as Microsoft Word documents, number fields are translated with quotaion marks surrounding the numbers. To transfer a Microsoft File data file into a Microsoft Works database or spreadsheet, follow these steps for a proper conversion:

WARNING: Picture or Memo fields over 256 characters will be lost in the translation.

  1. In File open the document that you want to convert, and choose Save As from the File menu.


  2. In versions 1.0x, click the Text (Microsoft Print Merge) button; in version 2.00, click the Text button.


  3. Change the name (if you want to retain the original File document) and click Save.


  4. Quit File and start Works.


  5. In Works, click the Word Processor icon and select the Import File option (in the Open dialog box).


  6. Locate the text file saved out of File and click Open.


  7. From the Search menu choose Replace and replace all quotation marks (") with a space.


  8. From the File menu choose Save As and save the document as an export file in the text format.


  9. Open the document as an import file into either the database or spreadsheet module.



MORE INFORMATION

Database

If you are opening the imported file into the Database module, a dialog box will prompt for delimiters between fields. Choose Tabs. The first record will contain the field names that were used in File. Change the field names for each column by going to the Edit menu and choosing Change Field Name. Then cut the first record and save the file.

Spreadsheet

If you are opening the imported file into the Spreadsheet module, a dialog box will ask how to interpret the file format (for example, SYLK or Text With Values/Formulas). Choose the Text With Values/Formulas option, and the file will open as a spreadsheet.

Additional query words: convert import export datafile

Keywords :
Version : :1.0,1.01,1.02,1.04; MACINTOSH:1.x,2.0,3.0
Platform : MACINTOSH
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: October 26, 1999
© 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.