To export from Access I would suggest making a sorted query first.  You can include/exclude/modify fields as needed right there.  Arrange the columns to be eported to be in the same sequence as the fields in your Sesame form.  Insert blank columns if necessary.  Save the query.

Then make a single line Access macro using Transfer Text,.

In the fields at the bottom, select:
Transfer Type =  "export delimited"
Specification =  leave blank
TableName = name of query saved above
FileName = full path\name.csv for export file to be created.
HasFieldNames = NO
HTMLTableName = leave blank
CodePage = leave blank

Save the macro as macExportToSesame, and execute the macro.

You will end up with a "csv" (comma separated values) file with quotes around each text field, and comma delimited.

Now you can import into Sesame.  See UserGuide.pdf file, around page 279+ for import instructions.

The "Mass Delete" option on the Sesame Menu tree comes in handy if your records get 'messed up' during the import process.

Sometimes I have to make 3 or 4 attmempts before all the data imports properly.

Steve

Bob -

I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner; however, I was out-of-town for the reunion I coordinated (which I'm happy to say was a great success) and have been sick ever since then.

The help you gave me with "managing fields" was absolutely phenomenal (as usual).  It gave me a much better understanding of the structure and has made it much easier to perform related tasks.

I am, however, back to the export/import issue and it is driving me crazy.  I'm very comfortable (or had been) with export/imports and had even written a paper on it in Q&A.

To get to the "bottom line" my latest problem is that I am getting an error message thay says "Warning: Image - Unknown stream image type."  I don't understand this at all.  Although I do have one "photo" (image) field in Sesame, I do not have it "tagged" for import.  Likewise, I have one Image field in MS Access, but I do not include it in my export query.  So, that is the latest issue I need help with.  Help!  lol

     - Spencer

Ray -

I am getting the message at the time I "run" the import. 

I cannot understand the "image" message because, as I said I am not dealing with any image fields on either the export or import side.  I noticed though that it only said "warning" and wonder whether it is just a caution with no real consequence.

I did, however, find a contributing factor in my MS Access database.  I have a multi-line remarks field and sometimes start a new line by typing Control/Enter.

Apparently on the export a "paragraph" mark is being inserted.  So, when I get to the import, Sesame interprets this as "end-of-record" and then says "ut-oh, you don't have enough fields to import."

I have gone to the Access table I created for the export, and tried to do a search/replace for ^p but it is not finding the carriage returns that way. 

I can go to my text file and remove the unwanted returns; however, it would be EXTREMELY time consuming.  I would have to find each one and either allow or remove it.   So, for now at least, I need a solution for removing the unwanted carriage returns in the remarks section of my Access database.

A solution for this dillema would certainly be appreciated.

Thanks!

     - Spencer

Well done Spencer

Wonder what the next hurdle will be.....

Will stay tuned......