What is the difference between open vs import

[roger]

We have a file that is saved in DB IV format from another application.
I want to work on data in a field in this file in Access 2000 and
export it back but not change the structure or original compatibility.
Is there a difference between opening a file DB IV file and importing
(Get External Data, Import)?

Thanks,

Roger

 

[Guest]

There is no Open in Get External data, so I assume you mean Link. If what
you want to do is work with an external table and make modificatons to the
data, I would suggest the Link. That way you can use it just like an Access
table. If you import it and work with it internally, you will have to export
it back to it's original format. The problem with the Import is that if
anyone using the other applications makes any changes between the time you
import and the time you export, you will overwrite their changes.

 

[roger]

The Open that I was referring to is after I have started Access and I
am in the Table view dialog window. I go to the Database Toolbar and
click the Open icon, I can open an existing DB file. When I do this it
opens without any problems and I see an icon that looks something like
this: ->dB. when I import a dB file i get the standard worksheet icon.
Both methods work, I am just wondering if the Import method does
something different than the Open method.

Thanks,
Roger

 

[Guest]

Sorry, roger, I am still confused. You will not see the table name or icon
in the database window for an external table until you have linked to the
exteranl file. If you import it, it will have the same icon as an Cccess
table, because that is what it is. You have copied the data in the DB IV
file into an Access table. So, you question regarding the difference between
Open and Import is confusing. They are two totally different things. Open
will open a table for viewing regardless of whether it was created in Access,
Imported, or Linked.

Linking and Importing are two different ways of making data available to
your Access application.

My original post is still valid. If you are sharing a file with another
application, Importing and Exporting may overwrite data entered in the other
application. I would Link.

If I am not understanding your question, please try to clarify it for me.
Maybe giving me an idea of how you intend to use the data would be helpful.

 

[roger]

Well, here is another way to do what I am trying to explain.
1. Open Access
2. It asked if you want to open an existing file or create a new one.
3. I choose new and give it a name
4. Go to FILE, OPEN
5. It then opens a folder that contains many files. Access's default
file filter (Files of Type at the bottom of the Open dialog box) causes
it to display Access, Excel and dBase files.
6. i choose a dB IV files.
7. It opens that file and gives it an icon that looks something like
->dB filename

I am not talking about linking to a file, I am just talking about
opening a file verses importing.

 

[Guest]

Okay, I see now. Use the open.

Well, here is another way to do what I am trying to explain.
1. Open Access
2. It asked if you want to open an existing file or create a new one.
3. I choose new and give it a name
4. Go to FILE, OPEN
5. It then opens a folder that contains many files. Access's default
file filter (Files of Type at the bottom of the Open dialog box) causes
it to display Access, Excel and dBase files.
6. i choose a dB IV files.
7. It opens that file and gives it an icon that looks something like
->dB filename

I am not talking about linking to a file, I am just talking about
opening a file verses importing.

 

[John Vinson]

I am just wondering if the Import method does
something different than the Open method.

Yes. It takes the data out of the dBase file and creates a new
internal Access table, with as close as possible to the same field
definitions (though the two programs can have differences). The Open
is in fact doing what Klatuu describes as a link.

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[roger]

Thanks for staying with me on this Klatuu and thanks John.

All is clearer now.

Roger

 

[Guest]

I was originally assuming he had an existing database he was wanting to use
the data in. It didn't occur to me he was opening a new database. No wonder
I was confused by his question.