How to import file specs from access to excel

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Michael Abrams
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How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by Michael Abrams »

28 million results in Google.

Zero real world solution (that I could find)

I would like to import a file spec from Access into Excel

I cannot figure out how.

Thank you for any direction you have for me.

Michael

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HansV
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Re: How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by HansV »

Can you explain what you mean by "importing a file spec"?
Best wishes,
Hans

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Michael Abrams
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Re: How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by Michael Abrams »

I have a text file which is fixed width ( about 50+ fields)
The first time I import the file into Access I create a file spec using the specs supplied by the file creator.

I save it in Access as an Import specification so I can use it to import the text file in the future.
Screenshot 2022-08-03 073255.png
We are moving away from Access, so I need a way to import the text files into Excel without having to re-invent the wheel.
I want to be able to import the text file into Excel without having to rewrite the Import Specs.

Thank you !

Michael
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HansV
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Re: How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by HansV »

Access stores its import and export specifications in two hidden system tables:
MSysIMEXSpecs lists the specifications with their general settings.
MSysIMEXColumns lists the settings for each column of each specification.
In theory, you can export these two tables to Excel, but unfortunately, Excel wouldn't know what to do with them.
You might use them as documentation, but basically, you'll have to reinvent the wheel... :sad:

P.S. Why are you moving from Access to Excel? :scratch:
Best wishes,
Hans

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Michael Abrams
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Re: How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by Michael Abrams »

Why are you moving from Access to Excel?
I am the only person in my division that has used Access since I started in 1998.
Our IT department stopped supporting Access many years ago, and basically depend on me to handle it on my own.

Are you ready for this? :hairout:

I am retiring in about a year and they are not "backfilling" my position.

The suits figured since "everyone" knows how to use Excel, they want to convert all databases (1,000s+) by the time I leave.

Crazy.... but true story.

Michael

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HansV
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Re: How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by HansV »

Ouch! :ouch: That's a fine mess they have gotten themselves into!
Best wishes,
Hans

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SpeakEasy
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Re: How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by SpeakEasy »

They'll almost certainly live to regret that!

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Michael Abrams
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Re: How to import file specs from access to excel

Post by Michael Abrams »

SpeakEasy wrote:
08 Aug 2022, 18:53
They'll almost certainly live to regret that!
By the time they do, i will be :read: :sailing: :cheers: :doze: retired :grin: