Author Topic: Any PC experts out there  (Read 4534 times)

Offline Robert J Smith

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Any PC experts out there
« on: September 21, 2011, 05:32:51 PM »
Hi,

I have just bought a new computer to replace my ageing and slow old one. New one runs Windows 7 whereas the old one ran Windows XP and I kept my record of ships seen in a Microsoft Works 7.0 database.

Question: Is there a compatable database that I can use on Windows 7 that will allow me to transfer all my data? I have asked Microsoft but as yet they have not replied.

Has anyone experienced this and found a solution, any help appreciated.

Regards

Bob

Offline alanp

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Re: Any PC experts out there
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2011, 05:43:01 PM »
what is the file built on word or excel and do you know your file extension ie .doc or .exl

Offline steve*f

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Re: Any PC experts out there
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2011, 07:38:03 PM »
Hi Bob,

Its a tough one as works database files are .WDB files which most programs dont open.
I'm assuming your new windows machine hasn't shipped with Works installed.  
If not you can purchase the new Works download from Microsoft and your old database file will be the same as on your old machine or if you have the original disc from your old machine load that on.
You could try Excel. Your new machine will more than likely have a trial of Office on it so its worth a try.  First off though you need to make a copy of your database and see if you can save it as a .CSV file and not the usual WDB file. To do this open up your database on your old machine and under 'SAVE AS' use the option Text &Commas .CSV.

IF that works and it opens in Excel, an alternative to office Excel is the free download of the office suite "OpenOffice" which opens excel files.

Hope you find the solution.

Regards Steve
« Last Edit: September 21, 2011, 07:40:21 PM by Steve Francis »
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Offline scopio

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Re: Any PC experts out there
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2011, 10:13:28 AM »
Hi Bob,

Hope this helps ;D!

Bear in mind that as you are transferring data from one pc to another, you will need to copy the converted file to a memory stick or cd to be able to open the newly converted file in the new pc.

The free OpenOffice.org can also open Microsoft Office files!

I have found the following articles relating to your request.

How to import a Works database file into Access database

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/197894

http://www.ehow.com/how_6239247_convert-works-files-access-database.html

Works: How to Import and Export Works Databases to Excel

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/163108

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_it_possible_to_open_up_a_Microsoft_Works_database_in_Microsoft_office_2003

Other articles in this search

http://uk.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A7x9QbvVD3tOagwAAodLBQx.?p=how+to+open+works+database+in+Access++2010&fr=mcsaoffblock&xargs=0&pstart=1&b=1

Best wishes
« Last Edit: September 22, 2011, 10:40:16 AM by scopio »

Offline Robert J Smith

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Re: Any PC experts out there
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2011, 02:27:44 PM »
Thanks for the advice, now I have somewhere to start. Hope I can transfer it all, dont fancy the idea of typing out over 30,000 records again  :'(

Best regard

Bob

Offline Robert J Smith

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Re: Any PC experts out there
« Reply #5 on: September 22, 2011, 06:17:43 PM »
So far so good  :)

Converted to .CSV spreadsheet as suggested, copied to new PC and saved in latest spreadsheet format. All info now saved and usable.

Next step to convert back into new database, job for tomorrow.

Many thanks for all your input

Best regards

Bob

Offline scopio

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Re: Any PC experts out there
« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2011, 08:59:06 AM »
Hi Bob,

Glad to be of help.  ;)

Hope all goes well, you may have to make small adjustments to field headings, resize cells, etc.

Regards,

scopio

 

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