More information

After Import

File Structure

Data Files - CSV Format vs. Fixed-Width Format

Sections of the *.DEF File

Data Import/Export Checklists

Data Import/Export FAQs

Import

Access this form using File>Import.

Use this form to select the definition file (*.DEF) to be imported. Definition files map to data files (fixed width or comma separated variable) to be imported, while data files contain the actual data being imported.

Note: To modify one of the master *.DEF or sample *.DEF files provided, copy the file before making modifications. It is very important to rename the files because all files are replaced during an upgrade of the system!

Files are imported locally through a mapped drive using the \\TS Client\<drive letter> directory structure. For specific instructions on how to import a file, see article 4136 in the Knowledgebase. See Nonprofit Online.

Troubleshooting

  • During the import process, if one row in your file contains an error, the import will not fail; instead the system will create an error exception file (.CSV or .TXT). Prior to the import error log displaying, the error exception form opens. You can accept the default name or enter a unique one for the exception file and where it will be saved. After correcting the errors, you can import this file. For more information about using the error exception file, see Error Exception File.

 

Look in Select the drive and folder for the location of the *.DEF file.

File name Either select a file from the list of files, or enter a file name for the *.DEF file. The system displays the available *.DEF files in the current folder.

Files of type Either accept the default file type, select a file type from the drop-down list, or enter a valid file type.

  • When commands in DEF files are left without column assignments and imported, problems can occur. Avoid these problems by entering valid default values or REM out the field for values that are not required.
  • Once data has been imported, verify the information by opening the appropriate form to be certain all fields imported correctly.
  • The import process can be quite lengthy for large data files. The status bar (at the bottom of the screen) displays the percentage complete.
  • When attempting to view a CSV using Excel with accounts codes or values having leading zeros, the leading zero will be stripped off because Excel thinks it is a number.

    To add the leading zeros back, highlight the column, right-click and select Format Cells, and create a Custom format. Enter "0#" in the Type field if the custom format is a two character field; for a three character field, enter 00# and so on.

    Keep in mind if you open the CSV again with Excel to make changes you will have to go through the same process again.