Need help with a tab delimited file export

[greaseman]

I've got an access table with six fields, all of which are text fields. I have set up an export specification file in order to export the table as a tab delimited txt file. However, when I export, the output file is not lined up in columns!

What I am seeing is:

1 A BB CC DD EE
2 f GG H I J
3 kk LLMM NN O
4 PP Q R S T

I've tried a manual exort, using the Advanced tab for my specifications, with the same results.

If anyone can lend some ideas or suggestions, I would be very thankful.

Thanks in advance..... looking forward to your replies!

 

[FoFa]

Tab delimited has nothing to do with alignment. Import it into Excel and see if the data is imported correctly. Tab delimited just means you have an (ASCII CHAR(9)) between each data field. Tabs are interpreted by each program you use to view the file and no two seem to do it consistantly.

 

[greaseman]

Thanks for replying. Is there a way I can get my columns, in a tab delimited txt file, to line up? It makes it a lot easier for human readability.

 

[greaseman]

Thanks, Pat.... will your suggestion place tabs into the output file? The program that takes my output file requires the file to have tabs between data fields.

 

[FoFa]

I think your issue is visual vs import format. Just because you have a TAB between each field, does not mean the columns will be aligned when you view the file. Try importing it in your program and see if it works, or as I said before, use Excel to import the file to verify the columns are properly placed. Do not base the proper file import format on a view of the file in something like NOTEPAD.

 

[greaseman]

FoFa,

I agree..... it's just that users at certain levels of management refuse to believe tabs are correct if the columns don't line up. I've tried explaining 'til I'm blue in the face, but.............

I appreciate your input. Have a great day!