Linking to an external database

[brokenBrains]

Hi,
Sorry for started another thread but I thought it would be better than putting it in my other thread.

We monitor our stock through an external databse using phpAdmin. In the psat we would download a csv file of our stock and then in a .msd (or was it .mds) file we would clear the old stock and then import the new csv file so that the stock would be correct. Then in actinics go to file External links and then check the box to connect to the external database that was specified in the text field.

But due to restoring our computer back to its factory settings we lost everything that was involved, well except fot the csv files as these are all stored on an online server.
The problem that I have is how would I be able to import this csv file into a database, and what would I need to create the database.
At the moment I dont have microsoft office installed on the computer, but I might be able to get it if it is really needed.

I hope that all makes sense.

thanks
Leigh

[rmorrow]

Where was your 'external database' held? Was it also on the server? Since you mention phpAdmin, I'd assume this was a MySQL database. Was this the one that was linked to Actinic? If it is MySQL, you can download that for free - you don't need MS Office products, although Excel is always helpful....

[brokenBrains]

We did store the database on a server but used to export it as a csv file and then import this csv file into a microsoft access file, which we would then connect to actinic.

We still have access to the server that we use to store the database. Could you please help on how we would go about using mySQL to connect our site to the database.

Thanks
Leigh.

[Mike Hughes]

Why not just link to the csv file? It would seem to save a lot of effort.

Mike

[brokenBrains]

I was unaware that you could link directly to the CSV file. The way I described was being used before I was working here so I just carried on the way that I was shown.
How would I connect to the CSV file. Would it be the same way where:
file > external links
Then just put the path for the CSV file in the database field?

Would it be possible for you to give me a brief example of how it could be done please.

Thanks.
Leigh.

[fergusw]

Check out "Linking To An External File" article in the help file.
It explains it all, with screenshots et all!

On the external linking has been configured your process should simply be:
Step 1. Download/save CSV export from required mySQL Database to same location on local PC
Step 2. Update Actinic site: Job Done

[Mike Hughes]

Just as you say. Set the path to the csv file and map the relevant columns to the actinic fields.

I use the first line of the file with a header description as that makes the mapping dead easy. It's optional though if your file doesn't have this.

Actinic has all the details under Help > External Linking

Mike

[brokenBrains]

when we choose the type of file to link to there is not an option for linking to a CSV file. I'm sorry but I don't understand quite what you mean. I will have a look at the help section and in the user guide, but if you could perhaps explain a little bit simpler I would much appreciate it.

Thanks
Leigh.

[Mike Hughes]

Ok. I always link to an excel file. Maybe Actinic want's it to be an excel file rather than csv. I would try using the external linking and point it to the csv file and see if it opens it or not. You could even try changing the extension to .xls and see if that works.

If it doesn't, there are probably three fairly easy options:

1. Import the csv file into excel and then save as an excel file.
2. Import the CSV file into actinic (similar to external linking, but it pulls the data into actinic rather than just referencing the external data).
3. Change the server settings to create an xls rather than csv file.

Mike

[brokenBrains]

ok thanks for all the help you gave me. It looks like we have got it sorted. I would never have been able to figure it out so quickly without your help. So again thanks for all your help.