Hi folks,
Yet another routine I've found to solve a problem posed by a BN
lister a while ago: how can I add some more fields to contacts
database? Along with this, the below procedure answers another
question: how can I view my contacts in Excel or other
spreadsheet programs?
As with any tech tutorials and procedures, the following warnings
apply:
* Follow the procedure as exactly as written.
* Requires understanding how database files work and being able
to manipulate database definitions.
* Use it at your own risk (the author is not responsible for
damages).
So how does this procedure go:
1. Create a "KeyBase copy" of whatever KeyList database you wish
to import.
2. Copy the records from KeyList to KeyBase version of the
database.
3. (optional): Export KeyBase records as a CSV file to be viewed
in Excel and similar programs.
Step 1: Duplicating database field definitions
1. Create a new database under KeyBase to match the contents of
the KeyList record to import, using a different name from the
source KeyList filename. For instance, to import contacts, use a
KeyBase database name other than "Address List," as KeyList will
complain about copying to same database file during KeyList
export phase.
2. Create same number of fields as the source KeyList file,
giving them the same names as KeyList file to prevent (if
possible) KeyList from reporting that some field names do not
match. For instance, if a KeyList database has five fields,
create a KeyBase database with five fields. And if the first
field of this five field database (in KeyList) is named "name,"
give "name" as the first field of the KeyBase version.
3. Then give the KeyBase copy the same sort order and record
title definitions as source KeyList file. For instance, if
importing contacts database, you'd use "Last name, first name" as
sort order and "first name, last name" as record title in KeyBase
version.
4. At the "associated database name," accept the default name
presented by KeyBase or type a different name. Take note of this
database name, as it'll be used during export phase to store
KeyList records.
You've created a "KeyBase version" of a KeyList database, waiting
for KeyList records to come in.
Step 2: Exporting KeyList records
1. From KeyList (Address List), select the database you wish to
export (for which you've already created the KeyBase version
using above steps).
2. From KeyList Menu, select "Copy," then select "address list"
option.
3. Then navigate to KeyBase folder on Flash Disk (or whereever
the KeyBase version of the KeyList database resides), then select
the newly created KeyBase file containing the matching field
definitions from KeyList file.
4. KeyList will then announce about field matching results (all
fields match, some fields doesn't match or none matches). At
this point, you can either skip this step by answering no, or
answer yes and review field match list.
5. Then you'll see "selection list" from where you can select
records to export. Press ENTER to select all, or go through list
of records and select the ones to export. Then press SPACE with
E and KeyList should report number of records exported.
You'll now have a KeyBase copy of the KeyList database with
KeyList records entered into KeyBase.
Hope this helps.
BTW, I aa it'd be easier to add fields from KeyBase rather than
using KeyList's file editing method.
Cheers,
^Oseph
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