I need to be able to export clients data. .dbf format of sorts.

[PlatinumGold]

the software manufacturers are being TOTAL @ssholes.

the database is labeled <filename>.dbf but it isn't any standard Dbase format that Access can open.

I opened it in EXCEL but OMFG it's a mess.

is there ANYWAY of extracting the data?

in Excel all of the fonts come out readable it's just all the formating junk that doesn't seem to want to cooperate.

i've tried some dbf viewers and they say header corrupt.

anyone have any ideas?

 

[bunker]

Do you have access to a MS SQL server? It may be able to import it.

I do this crap for a living (converting data sets/databases) and it sucks big time.
DBF files always give me the hardest time.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: bunker
Do you have access to a MS SQL server? It may be able to import it.

I do this crap for a living (converting data sets/databases) and it sucks big time.
DBF files always give me the hardest time.

ya, i have to install it tho. no biggie i guess. half an hour or so.

all i have is the dbf file tho. i didn't bring the idx files. i guess if i had those it might make it easier?

what do you think?

 

[bunker]

the .idx will definitely help, but I've been able to import without them. Then again I've also had to spend two weeks cleaning up the mess that someone once called data after doing that.

I've also seen, quite often, when some program creates it's own database type/format they tend to name it dbf. Damn programmers trying to use acronyms that have no idea there is a product called dBase that already uses this extension!!!!

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: bunker
the .idx will definitely help, but I've been able to import without them. Then again I've also had to spend two weeks cleaning up the mess that someone once called data after doing that.

I've also seen, quite often, when some program creates it's own database type/format they tend to name it dbf. Damn programmers trying to use acronyms that have no idea there is a product called dBase that already uses this extension!!!!

ya, that's exactly what i told my client when i was on location. that MOST .dbf files are relatively easy, but that there are the exceptions that are a bit more of a bear.

oh well. i guess i'm going the hard way on this one.

 

[EagleKeeper]

See if they will at least give you the data format within the file.

Or else - look at a small file in hex to try and determine the structure.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: EagleKeeper
See if they will at least give you the data format within the file.

Or else - look at a small file in hex to try and determine the structure.

the person i talked to hung up on me before i even asked my second question.