External database files

[keithcrooks]

I have 2 database files, that are created in a 3rd party programme, I then move them to a folder on my desktop, i have no need or desire to edit the contents of these files.

My question is when I open access 2007 how can I get the 2 tables I have created see the data changes in the 2 database files.

many thanks in advance

 

[Mr. B]

It would help if you could explain a little more about the existing database files. Are they in mdb format, excel format, text format ...?

Are you linking to the tables in these other database files?

 

[keithcrooks]

Hi thankyou for the quick response.

The files Are .dbf files, they are created by an application I use at work and are originally stored as .cab files and when extracted become .dbf

I extract the 2 x .cab into a .dbf into a folder on my desktop

The information contained in the database files is from an alarm panel, i.e detector name, detector area and detector type, the 2nd database contains keypad qty, expander qty, area qty.

I have created a 2 tables for the databases and have a Report layout (company specific).
my problem is:
1, everytime i create and extract my .cab file ito a .dbf i would like access when opened to interrogate the 2x .dbf files and update the information accordingly.

Then that hopefully will update the query and then in turn update the info on my report thus allowing me to print my required info.
without having to first type it into the panel then having to retype it into a form or even worse hand write it.

At present my only solution is to extract the files create a new table create a new query and then print it to my report.

This as I see it is just simply taking some external data and laying it out as I require, I donot need to mannipulate anything.

Maybe as my knowledge grows i could automate the .cab file process as each .cab file is stored with its own unique reference when created, so i could possibly query the original folder for the specific number i require and automate the whole process.

Phew!!!!
regards

 

[Mr. B]

Take a look at the option from Access for linking tables. This will allow you to use the dbf files just like a local table in Access.

Once you have established the link to the tables in these files, you can then do what you need to do with the data from the tables. You can create queries against these tables to extract the data or what ever.

If the two dbf files that are created when you export the data from the external application create files with the same name each time they are extracted, you would not have to relink to the tables. If not then I would suggest that you do the renaming manually before attempting to run your Access processes so you do not have to re-establish the link. This way you will automatically have new data after each export.

If you want to save the data extracted from the panels then use your tables you have built and just extract the original data from the original tables into your tables and then do your reporting. Your query should be developed against your permanant tables.

Hope this helps.

 

[keithcrooks]

Many Many thanks, that works like a treat.

I wonder if you might help me with one more issue?

I could do with an Autonumber field to just give a running number for each entry.

I cannot insert an autonumber field as I cant edit a linked database, is there another way to add an autonumber?

cheers once again

 

[SOS]

... is there another way to add an autonumber?

Perhaps this will help.

 

[keithcrooks]

Brill many thanks working a treat..