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If I exported my Customer records, did some data cleanup in Excel, and then imported them back into the Customer table, would the revised records:

a) Update (or overwrite) the existing records

b) Append to the existing records

c) Crash, because the unique Customer record ID would be duplicated

I know this seems like a simple question, but I've been away from Method for awhile, and I didn't find an answer when I queried the forum...

Thanks!

TogsTeam - Good news, if you do it right, you can choose (b) Append to the existing records.

When you export the records, make sure the RecordID is exported along with the fields you want to change. This will be used to identify and match records on the import.

When you import the data, play close attention to "2. Set Options".  Set "Update existing records by matching the key fields" to be checked.

That way it will actually update the records based on matching the RecordID.  Pretty cool, huh?  So.....it should really be called "Import / Export / Update" instead of "Import / Export"!

Paul

 Paul,

I am trying to do this.  But on the Import data screen, item # 2 says to "Pick a Table."  I'm in Customize/Integration Tools/Import/Export Menu.

I don't see "2. Set Options".  Set "Update existing records by matching the key fields" to be checked" anywhere. 

Can you tell me where to find this?

Thanks,

Laura

Laura,

If you pick a table first and click Import Data you'll get that option.

Paul

All I'm seeing is: 

1 Choose to import or export

2. Pick a table

3 Choose File to import

4 click 'import data'

Also, can you tell me if the RecordID is a column header in addition to the Entity?

When I choose the file to import and click the import data button, nothing happens.

L.fisher, 

"1 Choose to import or export
2. Pick a table
3 Choose File to import
4 click 'import data' "
-That's correct. Once you click Import Data, you get to the next screen "Prepare Data".

"Also, can you tell me if the RecordID is a column header in addition to the Entity?"
-If you are exporting and then importing to update, the RecordID is recommended to export and then later use for the "Update existing records by matching the key fields" in the Prepare Data screen.

Paul

 Paul,

When I was working on this on Friday, after hitting the import data button, the screen would refresh itself, and nothing more would happen.  But today, on a different computer, it worked exactly as you described, I got to the validation screen, then to the import screen, and all the records were updated.  Voila!

Thanks for all of your help.

Laura  

Perfect.  Thanks for letting me know.  ;) 

I'm trying to use this function to make some "global" changes to my Leads, but when I export my Customer Lead table, not all leads are exporting.  I see them in the Leads and Contacts List, but they are not in the export spreadsheet.  Am I missing something?

Mario

Hi Mario,

In order to troubleshoot this issue I would need you to enable your MethodSupport user: Go to Customize > Users > click the Active checkbox next to the MethodSupport user. Once that's done let me know via email and also include your Method Company Account name, not your username. 

- Ashur