Data field import

It is possible to import a data field design which has been exported from some other XPAC database. The data field design may have been exported from either an XPAC6 or XPAC7 project.

To import a Data Field Design, go to the database in which you want to import the fields. Select File from the application menu, Import from the drop down menu and then select Data Fields. Note that you can be in data field design when you do this, however you do not have to be.

XPAC will display a warning dialog box. If you click Yes and continue with the process at this point, XPAC will erase all data values and data fields. Make sure you have exported any data you want to keep.

Importing a data field design will overwrite your existing data field design and also your data values. It would be wise to back up your database prior to importing data fields.

If you select Yes, you will then be asked to select the file containing the data field design to be imported. You may need to change the file type to access the relevant file. The import file may be in any of the following formats.

•	XPAC7 Formatted (.vts) - this is a binary file and therefore it cannot be viewed sensibly in a text editor. This format option is the only way to transfer both the field definitions (code, name, etc) and the field formats (colours, borders, etc) from one XPAC7 project to another.

•	XPAC7 Text file (.txt) - this is a comma separated text file which contains a header that XPAC7 can use to interpret the file when it is imported. Note that this format option will only import the field definitions (code, name, etc) and not the field formats (colours, borders, etc).

•

XPAC6 ASCII file (.asc) - this is a fixed width text file which contains a header that both XPAC6 and XPAC7 can use to interpret the file when it is imported. Note that this format option will import the field definitions, with the exception of the code, level, protection and example format. It will not import the field formats (colours, borders, etc) either, so it is not really suitable for transferring data fields from one XPAC7 project to another.

After you select Open the data fields will be imported.