TransferText Macro and Specification

[hyperiest]

I have a database for which I use text delimited text files from another program to update. I have previously designed a class module in VBA to import the text file into Excel, convert only the columns I want and then import the spreadsheet into Access. A friend of mine told me I could do the same thing with a specification in a TransferText macro. Can someone tell me how to create a specification?

Captain_D

 

[Blanch]

Captain_D,

It is actually quite a simple practice. I have a series of Access databases that attach themselves to a host of other datasources. The key word is ATTACH. I then use the data to create other more useful (reportable) views of data for use on the Intranet, in Reports or as part of Excel and Word based solutions.

My largest supply of data each day comes from downloaded TEXT files from SAP reports. These text files are merely dropped on top of the prvious days files and my datasource is updated. HOW?

I attached the text files just like you would an exterior .mdb or SQL Server table. Where the Specification comes in, is when you attch for the first time, the import/export wizard launches and asks you some basic questions. When you are done, you have a datasource that is useable and easy to update.

The downside to the TEXT file is that it is read only. So if you want to manipulate the data, you will need to create a local table that represents the result set you are looking for.

This solution has served me well repeatedly for more than 6 years. I use it whenever I need to combine multiple datasources quickly.

Hope this helps!

Jim

 

[hyperiest]

Jim, I understand all this perfectly and thank a mil, but is there any way to view a specification created earlier? It was originally created by the creator of the datasource I am using, but he tailored it for his table; mine is slightly different. I wanted to see if I can view his specification, so I can modify it for my table. Can this be done?

Captain_D

 

[Blanch]

Ahhhhhh...

The only way that I have found to view specifications (without actually looking at the system tables) is to actually try to import/link something and click the advance button on the wizard. This will bring up an area that will allow you to choose an existing specification for editing and will allow you to Save it as something else.

Jim