Print Article for : Ms Access Database Connectivity

Your Online Guide » IT Hardwares » Computer Hardware Guide

[M756]Ms Access Database Connectivity

by Richard Killey, Ric

Under the File menu, there is an entry named "Get External Data", and then "Import...". The extra "..." indicates that when you choose that entry, a dialogue box will appear on the screen to ask you for further details.

The next step is to change the "Files of type:" entry to show "Text Files (*.txt;*.csv;*.tab;*.asc)". A good habit is to always use the .txt extension for text files. Thus, they will appear under that choice and you can quickly look for the file you want to import.

Generally speaking, your text files should either have their "fields" separated by a delimiter (usually a comma or a tab, but can also be a space, semicolon, or any other chosen character), or they may be in fixed widths where each field always takes the exact same space in each record.

Let's look at the delimited style first. The fields will be automatically sensed by Access as per the delimiters. Subsequent dialogue box screens will ask you to indicate if the first row in the text file has field names, pick a table for the data (if you do not have one predesigned, Access will build it for you), designate field names if needed, adjust field types (Access tries to predetermine the types), indicate if the field should be indexed, tell MS Access to skip a field, add a primary key if it is creating a new table for your data, and finally, name the table if you chose to create a new one. If you are importing the data into a temporary table (a common process) use the defaults.

If your data is in fixed format, the main difference in the above is that you must verify the field boundaries in the data. If your data is all filled in (ie. no spaces) Access will not be able to guess where the fields end. Note that the dialogue box that you get in this case has instructions on how to create, delete, or move a field break line. A little experimentation will get you sucessfully on your way quickly.

For a discussion of the exporting of data to a text file, visit http://www.databaselessons.com/text-files-2.php.

Until recently there has been no MS Access counterpart for Pocket PC. Fortunately the guys at Kaisoft thought it shouldn't be that way and came up with their solution to the problem of missing Microsoft Access for handheld devices. The thing is called Kai's Access Manager .Net and it can fit the needs of everyone from non-programmers to expert programmers.	/review/image/Access%20Manager/mobile_device_access_manager.jpg" />
/review/image/Access%20Manager/pda_database_manager.jpg" />	Kai's Access Manager .Net lets you open and edit a Pocket Access Database as a file or from the Objectstore. Unlike other tools, it works fine with large databases and can open a table with up to 20,000 records as quickly as a couple of seconds. The table can be viewed either in Tableview or in Formview from where you can edit, delete and create new records. Professional users will like the opportunity to create own queries. For faster opening, a table/database can be indexed.
The program works on common sense. Once installed, you can jump into creating a database, entering information right out of the box without messing around complex features. Just load a copy of a MS Access Database from the desktop PC to your Pocket PC and get it automatically converted to a Pocket Access Database (.CDB). That's pretty much you need to do. The database on the Pocket PC will now be automatically synchronized with the one on the desktop, so that any changes to the Pocket PC database can be easily uploaded to the desktop database.	/review/image/Access%20Manager/pocket_pc_database.jpg" />
/review/image/Access%20Manager/ppc_database_access.jpg" />	It's important to note that copying a MS Access Database to the mobile device doesn't work with Active Sync 4.5 and Vista’s Mobile Device Center. Instead Access Converter .Net should be used. Let's say, for example, you control a website and all records database using Access. You would like to have a way of being out in the field with a database available but not requiring the need to carry a laptop with you. Kai's Access Manager .Net will help you. It can handle Access tables, let you read and edit records before sending data back to the desktop PC for updating the website.
Currently Kai's Access Manager .Net has been upgraded to version 7.9 which adds support for landscape mode and square screen. Kai's Access Manager .Net 7.9 will run on Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003, 2003 SE, Windows Mobile 5, 6 and costs $24.00 (US). Download Kai's Access Manager .Net and carry your MS Access database with you in the pocket!	/review/image/Access%20Manager/windows_mobile_access_manager.jpg" />

Article Source : Pg. 240

About Author

Both Richard Killey & Iren Birken are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Richard Killey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Kids and Teens, Home Management and Computers and The Internet. Richard Killey, webmaster of , has been developing MS Access databases since 1997. His website contains MS Access related articles, as well as free sa. Richard Killey's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.

Iren Birken has sinced written about articles on various topics from Software, Pregnancy and Software. Iren Birken is IT specialist, heavily using Windows Mobile devices every day.. Iren Birken's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.