How to compare 2 databases

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CC

What is the best way to compare data from two Access
databases to see what is different between the two?

I do not have the same unique identifier for both
databases.
 
CC said:
What is the best way to compare data from two Access
databases to see what is different between the two?

I do not have the same unique identifier for both
databases.
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In situations like this, I usually rely on an approach taught to me by Sir
Larry Linson. Print out each database (in its entirety) on plain paper -
then weigh both piles and express the difference in grams.
 
Well, if you want to compare them both, it means you have fields to do so
and these are what you need.

I like the approach that don't mix things so, create a new blank database
and in this one, create a table link for the two tables you want to compare.
Lets call them T1 and T2.

Create a query using both tables and connect them using all the fields you
want. I did this once using Department, First Name and Last Name, they were
the best I could use by the moment. They should also be unique.

Set the link to show everything from T1 and only existing data from T2.

Select all fields from T1 to be shown and include one field from T2
(preference for one used on the link) and in this one put the criteria Is
Null.

- Like this, you have a query showing everything on T1 that is not in T2.
- Do the opposite to get all from T2 but not in T1.
- Changing the link to "data existing in both" with no criteria and you have
the third comparison

Hope I helpd

Mauricio Silva
 
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