Import Data is Scrambled

Problem

They have exported data, then imported it back. Various problems- data has shifted, items don't match up any more, missing text.

Diagnosis

1. Did they open the export file with Word or Excel?
2. Did they import into a file that already has data in it?
3. Are they reporting bugs when importing a layout, or posting problems in a file recently exported?
4. None of the above?

Solution

1. Word/XL will sometimes shift data, even if you just open and close without a save. This seems to happen most often in huge data files. Opening in Excel and then saving will also drop text in long text fields (more than 255 characters). If user wants to look at data, look at a COPY of the file.
2. If there are already items there, there may be 2 items with the same id number. In that case incoming items get new numbers, and won't line up anymore with other places they may be used.
3. See those answers.
4. If you have much patience, you can have them make a copy of the export file, then look with XL. Or they can send us the file so we can look here.

NOTE-- Starting with version 2.3 of Goldenseal business management software we have "frozen" the file format, so users will not need to export/import data when going to a new version.

Comments

Entered 8/9/01 by Dennis