Changing a Text Link

[gnosis13]

I get a delimited text file as a download from an AS/400 server. The text file is linked as a table. A new text file gets downloaded daily and this setup allows me to have fresh data as soon as the DB is loaded. Having the file linked avoids the hassle of importing the text file.

The fields in the text file have changed (more added) and I would like to just add them to the input specs without having to go back throguh the entire import process.

When I try to make mods to the table, they can't be saved because it is a linked tabel. Can I get around this? How is this done? Best Method?
A+, N+, MCP

 

[Darrylles]

Hiya,

This sounds interesting, I've looked at the Access system tables (where details are stored about application tables etc).

The affected tables are MSysIMEXSpecs which holds details about the text file and MSysIMEXColumns which holds details about the 'table' structure of your text file.

The only way that I can think of of automating this is by changing these tables (via a query after using a VB module to open the file and get the changes).

They are read-only by default, but I have changed system tables from within Access in the past.

The amount of initial work probably means that it's not worth your while to do this, but if enough people use text files in this way then it might be worthwhile.

Will take me a bit to dig out the details, but hope this helps in the mean-time.

Regards,

Darrylle








"Never argue with an idiot, he'll bring you down to his level - then beat you with experience."

 

[gnosis13]

Please don't put that much work into it on my behalf! It would be easier to just re-link the file. Besides, I am trying to get the company to stick this download out on a SQL server.

Maybe someone from Microsoft will read this link and add that feature to Access 2004. I would call Bill myself....but I just don't have time...

Thanks for the help! A+, N+, MCP

 

[Darrylles]

Hi Choctaw,

Linking text-files is just another way of getting data into database tables - not a way of consistently 'linking' to data.
(e.g. you can import into a database via this function).

Regards,

Darrylles "Never argue with an idiot, he'll bring you down to his level - then beat you with experience."