vba access query export to text

This should be so straight forward.  I'm trying to use vba to export an access query to text 'with formatting and layout.'  If I do this manually (External Data ribbon > Text Export), it only allows a certain number of rows.  I can create an export spec but since there are so many different layouts I need, I would have to create a multitude of them.  I'm really looking for something which mirrors a generic 'with formatting and layout' export.  Looks like this:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|    GB_ENT_SKEY     |    AUD_INSRT_ID    |  AUD_INSRT_TMSTP   |    AUD_UPDT_ID     |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 16389278           | HIXRC_ETL          | 7/24/2014 4:02:44  |                    |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 16389318           | HIXRC_ETL          | 7/24/2014 4:02:44  |                    |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is there something simple without acExportFixed?  . . . without Export Spec?
         DoCmd.TransferText acExportFixed, "Export Spec", "qSel_xxxx", "yyyyy.txt", False, ""
LVL 1
CFMIFinancial Systems AnalystAsked:
Who is Participating?

Improve company productivity with a Business Account.Sign Up

x
Advertise Here
 
Nick67Connect With a Mentor Commented:
Should we close this chapter and I'll thank you profusely?  Or are there other ideas?
CSV or XLS work for me, and are easy to crank out.

But you haven't said what the end purpose of these exports is.
And that kind of matters a great deal
0
 
Nick67Connect With a Mentor Commented:
This is much more complex that perhaps you'd like but it's an excellent tool to have in the shed
'declare an object to be a filesystem object
Dim fs As Object
Dim BatFile As TextStream
Set fs = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set BatFile = fs.CreateTextFile("c;\temp\test.txt", True) 'some valid path
BatFile.WriteLine ("I am Open")
BatFile.Close

Set fs = Nothing
Set BatFile = Nothing

Open in new window


Now, you can knock together as many
BatFile.WriteLine ("some string")
as required

So, you can open a recordset, use the fields in each record to construct a string and then write it
Absolute granularity and control for you.
You also need to do all the work.

It's a trade-off
0
 
PatHartmanConnect With a Mentor Commented:
Wouldn't it be easier to export a .csv file with a header row?

Text files are not useful as reports because of the standard use of non-proportional fonts so nothing lines up.  Plus, putting all the formatting characters in the text file makes it more difficult to be computer readable so the formatted files are pretty much good for nothing.
0
Easily Design & Build Your Next Website

Squarespace’s all-in-one platform gives you everything you need to express yourself creatively online, whether it is with a domain, website, or online store. Get started with your free trial today, and when ready, take 10% off your first purchase with offer code 'EXPERTS'.

Start Now
 
CFMIFinancial Systems AnalystAuthor Commented:
I'm not that good with vba but if I read correctly, I'd have to create an export spec for each query I need to output.  I don't mind some complexity but would need more guidance through it.

That said, I did test this approach which will work just fine.  
  DoCmd.TransferText acExportDelim, , "qSel_xxxx", "yyyyy.txt", False, "" 

Should we close this chapter and I'll thank you profusely?  Or are there other ideas?
0
 
PatHartmanConnect With a Mentor Commented:
Fixed width files are a PITA and you have only the two options.
1. an export spec for each DIFFERENT format.
2. Learn how to use functions to coerce the columns to be fixed width in the query you use for export.

Select  textfld1 & Space(15 - Nz(Len(textfld1),0)), Format(datefld1, "yyyymmdd"), Format(numericfld1, "000000000.00"), etc.

This is just three examples that show how to do it with the three basic data types.  The first example uses the Nz() and Len() function to get the length of the contents of textfld1 and ASSUMING you want the output to be 15 characters subtracts the length from 15.  So if textfld1 = "abcd", the length would be 4 and so 11 spaces would be appended to the end.  You just have to use the correct length for each column.  Dates are generally exported as yearmonthday when fixed length files are created and numeric fields are zero filled.  So in this case, the output field is defined as 9.2.  If you need something different, adjust the number of zeros and include/omit the decimal point.
0
 
CFMIFinancial Systems AnalystAuthor Commented:
PatHartman,  I'm now getting your message that really the output requires some kind of export specification with either option 1 or 2.  Since there were so many queries, I cajoled the recipients to accept a docmd.transferspreadsheet method.

Nick67,
The purpose was to accommodate and auditor request.  I think they're satisfied with my deliverable and so . . .

THANKS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT. . . . and Merry X-Mas and Happy New Year!
0
Question has a verified solution.

Are you are experiencing a similar issue? Get a personalized answer when you ask a related question.

Have a better answer? Share it in a comment.

All Courses

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.