Question

Convert data files (.dat) for use in Microsoft Access and/or Excel.

Asked by: wrjones1

I want to convert data files for use in Microsoft Access and/or Excel.
These data files are created using basic .bas programs under DOS (complied in QuickBasic as .EXE) and have the extension .DAT. They are made in separate files of records for retail customers, retail prospects, wholesale customers, wholesale prospects,  products, and suppliers, a total of 6 files. Within each file, each record is identified by a number and each record of a given file has the same defined fields, which are named, with each field having its own specified length, not all of which is filled. Field lengths of the records vary with the 6 files. I know the lengths of most or all of the fields for each of the files and can probably determine all of them. How can I do this conversion? Access can convert an .ASC file, so perhaps there is a way to get my files into that interim form. A "canned" software solution would be preferred.  Bill

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Asked On
2007-06-13 at 21:14:55ID22632947
Tags

convert

,

file

,

dat

,

access

Topics

Enterprise Software

,

Microsoft Access Database

,

Data Manipulation

Participating Experts
4
Points
500
Comments
6

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Answers

 

by: informaniacPosted on 2007-06-13 at 21:27:24ID: 19280789

You could use an utility that converts dat files to csv files.
And then you could import the csv file into access or excel.
I'm not sure about this s/w could help u.... but u could try....
http://www.thebeatlesforever.com/processtext/abcdbisam.html

 

by: gbshahaqPosted on 2007-06-14 at 01:20:58ID: 19281637

assuming that the .dat file is created in a defined, readable format, this (VBA) solution may work for you:

How to Import a Text File That Has an Extension That Access Does Not Recognize
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306144

 

by: maxpatchPosted on 2007-06-16 at 18:34:00ID: 19300218

Here is a utility that  will convert a dat to csv
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/map-monkey/55639-another-utility-convert-dat-csv.html
hope this helps!

 

by: wilrodizPosted on 2008-07-20 at 23:07:46ID: 22048273

If you can extract some records, a short program can be written to convert the data onto a suitable format which can be read by Excel.  Is this can be made available?

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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