firefoxchris
asked on
Extract Data from Microsoft Word 'Database'
Hello to all, im new to EE so please bear with me while I learn the ropes.
As a web developer I cant imagine anything more concerning than a database running on Microsoft Word .doc, but this is what I am dealing with.
Our client has a database of membership details (name, address, telephone etc) stored in a Word .doc file. We are developing a new system for them that will be web based and use MySQL as the DB.
The thing is, this Word Database contains around 10,000 names and addresses and we need to migrate the data accross.
This is how the Word database seems to work... It seems that when the person created this, they created a mail merge (probably usigna wizard), and word created a table that stores all the data. This means that there are two files, one holds the data and the other holds the merge template.
What ive tried:
- Tried saving the document as an XML file but doesnt return anything useful
- Tried to find an ODBC driver to connect onto the word file, cant find anything!
If I could just get a connection to this file, if could extract the data.
I've attached a picture to show you what im dealing with (data blurred for obvious reasons).
Any pointers would be great!
Thanks all,
Chris
worddb.jpg
As a web developer I cant imagine anything more concerning than a database running on Microsoft Word .doc, but this is what I am dealing with.
Our client has a database of membership details (name, address, telephone etc) stored in a Word .doc file. We are developing a new system for them that will be web based and use MySQL as the DB.
The thing is, this Word Database contains around 10,000 names and addresses and we need to migrate the data accross.
This is how the Word database seems to work... It seems that when the person created this, they created a mail merge (probably usigna wizard), and word created a table that stores all the data. This means that there are two files, one holds the data and the other holds the merge template.
What ive tried:
- Tried saving the document as an XML file but doesnt return anything useful
- Tried to find an ODBC driver to connect onto the word file, cant find anything!
If I could just get a connection to this file, if could extract the data.
I've attached a picture to show you what im dealing with (data blurred for obvious reasons).
Any pointers would be great!
Thanks all,
Chris
worddb.jpg
Last Comment
If the 'database' is a CSV, you can link or import it into Access and go from there.
Chris B
Chris B
ASKER
Thanks for the suggestion. However, this databse is not in CSV format, it is in Microsoft Word database format. However, it seems to have a similar SELECT query structure to CSV querying.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
THIS SOLUTION IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS.
View this solution by signing up for a free trial.
Members can start a 7-Day free trial and enjoy unlimited access to the platform.
ASKER
Perfect! - Why didnt i think of that one. I was thinking of it more as a Db than just a simple table (even though MS Word generated that table and actually does query it as a database).
Thanks Chris, Appreciate it.
Thanks Chris, Appreciate it.
My pleasure.
CB
CB
Databases
Databases are organized collections of data, most commonly accessed through management systems including schemas, tables, queries and processes that allow users to enter and manipulate the information or utilize it in other fashions, such as with web applications or for reporting purposes.
62K
Questions
--
Followers
--
Top Experts
Get a personalized solution from industry experts
TRUSTED BY
ASKER
sql.jpg