How to Link Data From Another Database in Microsoft Access

Linking data is similar to importing, but instead of placing a copy of the information into Access, you add a "link" to the external database. If you update the information in the external program, the changes appear in Access as well. Linking is a better choice than importing if you are editing the data with another program, or if you are accessing the data infrequently from your MS Access database. These instructions are for Access 97.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Microsoft Access

1. Open or create the MS Access database that you want to link to another database.
2. From the File menu, select Get External Data, then Link Tables.
3. From the Files of Type box, indicate the type of file that is to be linked.
4. Go to the Look In box, and move through the folders and files on your disk until you locate the one that is to be linked.
5. Select that file.
6. Click Link.
7. Provide any information that MS Access requests. For example, you may be asked to identify tables, provide passwords, etc.

Tips & Warnings

• If you delete the icon to a linked table, only the link is deleted, not the table itself.
• You can link data from tables that are created in another version of MS Access, from an HTML table, or from programs such as Excel, FoxPro, dBase, or Paradox.
• For the link to work, you can't move the external table, or Access won't be able to find it. If the external table is moved, you'll need to reestablish the link.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.