Flat Files

[Guest]

I need to extract data from Access for input into an older application. The
Old App requires fixed length records, with fixed length data fields. I
remember Access 97 used to give me the capability to create fixed length
records via an "export" function, but this seems to have been
modernized/eliminated. Are there any facilities available to create fixed
length records in Access 2003?

 

[George Nicholson]

but this seems to have been modernized/eliminated.

Nope, it should still be there.
- Select a table or query in the db window
- File>Export
- Specify a file name. Save As Type: "Text Files".
- The "Export Text Wizard" should open, allowing you to specify fixed width,
etc.
Using the "Advanced" button allows you to be even more detailed and to
save your settings as a Import/Export Specification.

If you don't get the wizard (a not uncommon complaint), post back & we'll
try to get your installation fixed up,
but you might start with:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;835415

HTH,

 

[David Lloyd]

Stuart:

You can create an export specification for exporting to a fixed-width text
file. Choose Export from the File menu, and then select Text Files in the
Save as Type drop down box. This will start the Export Text Wizard. In the
lower left corner is an Advanced button which will allow you to choose a
fixed-width format, and the other details of the specification. If you plan
to reuse the specification, choose the Save As button and give it a name.

--
David Lloyd
MCSD .NET
http://LemingtonConsulting.com

This response is supplied "as is" without any representations or warranties.


I need to extract data from Access for input into an older application. The
Old App requires fixed length records, with fixed length data fields. I
remember Access 97 used to give me the capability to create fixed length
records via an "export" function, but this seems to have been
modernized/eliminated. Are there any facilities available to create fixed
length records in Access 2003?

 

[Guest]

George, thanks. In fact there is something amiss in my install, as the only
..txt option i have is "word merge", and no wizard pops up.

Is there any way to get the same effect via VBA? I'd rather have control of
the process, if that is possible, as I intend to give this DB to a client.

Stuart

 

[George Nicholson]

Is there any way to get the same effect via VBA?

Yes (DoCmd.TransferText), but if you need to specify the Import/Export Spec
argument (and it sounds like you will), you need to have the wizard working
to create that Spec in the first place. *AFAIK*, there is no way to create
the initial Spec itself in VBA, (but a Spec can be imported from another mdb
file, if that helps...)

*************************************************
Try the following (from a Ken Snell posting back in March), and see if you
can get "Text Files" to show up as an Export option. My guess is that once
you are able to select that option, the wizard will materialize:

Re-register the following files:
msexcl40.dll (Excel)
msxbse40.dll (dBase)
mspdox40.dll (Paradox)
mstext40.dll (Text, CSV, tab-delimited))

To re-register a DLL file,

1) Locate it (usually all these are in the Windows\System32 or
WINNT\System32 folder.

2) Locate the file regsvr32.exe.

3) Drag the DLL file's icon onto the regsvr32.exe icon.

Or run from Start | Run window:
Regsvr32 "path\msexcl40.DLL"
***************************

At this point its hard to say if you have a problem with your wizard
installation, but the following may prove to be of some help:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;303769
ACC2000: Error Message When Running Access Wizards

Even though you are using 2003, I suspect the information may still be valid
(although some of the .dll names may have changed a bit..?)
Note the additional articles referenced at the bottom of the page.

HTH,

 

[Guest]

Reregistering the text dll seems to have woken up the wizard. Thanks very
much!

Stuart

 

[George Nicholson]

glad you got it working

 

[Larry Daugherty]

Another approach might be to mount your Office disc and reinstall
Access choosing all of the options.

HTH