External data (CSV) and table styles (excel 2007)

[Guest]

I have an external data source, which in this instance is a CSV file. I need
to modify its appearance. So i linked the data into a sheet and wanted to
use a table style. When i do this, it brings up an error DB saying it cannot
format unless the link is broken.

Well, that seems counterproductive with data links dont you think? Is there
another way to "present" the data using ecel 2007 formatting without loosing
the link or doing the formatting manually?
Thanks.

 

[Guest]

When you open a text file in Excel, it is still a text file and not an Excel
file. You can open the csv file in Excel, save as a workbook and then format
the data as a table.

To maintain a link to the file you might want to examine using MS Query and
query the data into a workbook. You can save an refresh the query in the
workbook as necessary.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the quick reply! Maybe i am not communicating my issue very well.
I have an external data file that i link into my current blank sheet. Watch
this to see what i'm after:
http://www.screencast.com/t/6RgIK5I39i

I'd rather not create duplicate places for data to exist. The external file
will be updated constantly and i want to use excel to present it with tables,
etc. Do i need a redundant sheet in the xls just to do what i'm after?

 

[Dave Peterson]

I didn't open the link.

But your links to the .CSV file linked to a worksheet and a cell address, right?

But if you look at the .CSV file in NotePad, you'll see that there are no
worksheets in that file and the data isn't in rows or columns. It's just plain
text.

You could open the .CSV file, then save it as a .xls* file and then link to
that.

 

[Guest]

I understand what you're saying. But with the external data link, it is
actually querying the text file into columns. It does that flawlessly. The
problem comes when i apply a table style to the data. Table styles are new
to 2007. When a table style is applied, it drops the external link.

 

[Dave Peterson]

I don't know enough about xl2007 to be useful.

Sorry.

But if table styles kills the link, I bet you're going to have to make a choice
which one you want.

I understand what you're saying. But with the external data link, it is
actually querying the text file into columns. It does that flawlessly. The
problem comes when i apply a table style to the data. Table styles are new
to 2007. When a table style is applied, it drops the external link.

 

[Guest]

True... I understand what you're saying. I was hoping someone else had come
across this and found a solution. i have a solution now, sort of. I can do
the external query to sheet1. Then on sheet2, reference the data i want. I
can then apply a table style to the data on sheet2. Wierd.... Thanks for
your help!
--
Kevin Spear, PE

I don't know enough about xl2007 to be useful.

Sorry.

But if table styles kills the link, I bet you're going to have to make a choice
which one you want.