How to Import Data from Another Database Into Access 2003

When trying to import data from another database, a copy of the data that you import is created in the destination database, and the source is not altered. To import data from another database, you first open the Access 2003 database that you want to import the data into. You then use commands on the "External Data" tab, which involves the "Import Wizard." Follow these steps to import data from another database into Microsoft Access 2003.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Access 2003

From a Microsoft Works database:

1. Open the Microsoft Works database. Now, click "Save As" on the "File" menu.

2. Select dBASE IV (*.dbf) in the "Save as Type" box. Now, click "OK."

3. Copy the dBASE IV.dbf file into Microsoft Access. You can do this by clicking and dragging or by right-clicking with your mouse and choosing "Copy" then "Paste."

From a dBASE file

4. Open the database, or switch to the database window.

5. Open the "File" menu and point to "Get External Data." Next, click "Import."

6. Click on the "Files of Type" box in the "Import" dialog box, and select one of the dBASE file types.

7. Click the arrow to the right of the "Look in" box, select the drive and folder where the .dbf file is located and double-click the icon.

8. At this point, Microsoft Access creates a table named after the file you selected and imports the data from the file.

From a Paradox Table

9. Open the database. Now, open the "File" menu, point to "Get External Data," and click "Import."

10. Click on the "Files of Type" box in the "Import" dialog box, and select "Paradox" (*.db).

11. Click the arrow to the right of the "Look in" box, select the drive and folder where the .db file is located and double-click the icon.

12. If your Paradox table is encrypted, Microsoft Access will prompt you for the password. Type in the password and click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• As Microsoft Access 2003 copies the data, it will display an error message if it encounters any problems.
• To cancel the selection of an object, click the object again.
• The "External Data" tab can only be used when a database is open.