For a start, Excel has a nifty feature that will let you split the text into several columns. In the Data menu, choose Text to Columns, and follow the instructions. It will split your existing field on any character you choose. Since you seem to have a comma separating last names and first names this should be easy. You just identify the comma as the character to trigger the split. Then you can do another split of the first names on the "-" character.
Caveats: You'll need to check your existing data to make sure it's all entered consistently. If you have stray commas in a cell, you'll get a second split. And make sure you create several empty columns to the right of the column you're splitting. The split process will overwrite any existing data in a column where it's trying to write something. If you get an unexpected additional split, you'll see a whole column of data suddenly disappear. You can always delete the unused empty columns when you're done. It takes a bit of practice to get this right but it's still faster than re-entering data. Barb Welch Frenchman Bay Conservancy Hancock, Maine ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wilderness Watch" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "TechRocks Support" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2002 10:42 AM Subject: [support] Data import problem > Hey ebase users, > > I have a list that I want to import into ebase, but have one problem. The > list is in an Excel file and the first name, last name, and second name (if > there is one) are all in one field with the last name first (separated by a > ","). > > For example: Jones, Bob > > In addition, 99% of the second names are added with a "-" to the first name. > > For example: Jones, Bob - Sue > > Any suggestions on how to import this information into ebase to get the > names to fit into the respective ebase fields? (aside from manually fixing > the Excel file) > > Thanks. > > Glenn Marangelo > > Wilderness Watch > P.O. Box 9175 > Missoula, MT 59807 > 406-542-2048 > fax: 406-542-7714 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://www.wildernesswatch.org > > ------------------ > Reminder to each recipient: To change your list account preferences, go to > http://email.sparklist.com/scripts/lyris.pl?enter=support and enter the email address you used to subscribe to the ebase support list:: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > ebase - Relationship Management for Nonprofits, http://www.ebase.org > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > > ------------------ Reminder to each recipient: To change your list account preferences, go to http://email.sparklist.com/scripts/lyris.pl?enter=support and enter the email address you used to subscribe to the ebase support list:: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- ebase - Relationship Management for Nonprofits, http://www.ebase.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------
