csv file is too large to import

[joe]

i have a 2 Gig CSV file that I would like to import into Access 2007. When i
go to import it, i receive an error that the file is too large. any
suggetions? I only want about 1/2 the columns in the file. I have created
the heards in the table hoping that would help. Any suggestions, would be
greatly appreciated.

 

[banem2]

i have a 2 Gig CSV file that I would like to import into Access 2007.  When i
go to import it, i receive an error that the file is too large.  any
suggetions?  I only want about 1/2 the columns in the file.  I have created
the heards in the table hoping that would help.  Any suggestions, wouldbe
greatly appreciated.

Hello,

Database size is limited to 2 GB minus the space needed for system
objects. See http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access/HA100307391033.aspx
for more details.

This means you cannot import CSV file which will produce database
larger than 2048 MB.

Regards,
Branislav Mihaljev
Microsoft Access MVP

 

[Klatuu]

Link to the csv file as if it were a table using TransferText with acLink.
Set up an Import Specification to use for the link and define which fields
to use, their names, and data types.
Then you can use an Append query to import only the fields and records you
want.

Linking to an external file does not affect your 2Gig limit. Only data in
the accdb's tables affects the size.

In your case, it is going to be absolutely necessary to split your database
if you have not already.

 

[joe]

I have tried this, but there may be more than 255 columns, I only need about
20. When I run the process External Data --> Text File --> specify file name
--> Link To A Data Source, I receive an error message stating the file is too
large.

 

[Klatuu]

You can't even link to a file that will have more than 255 columns.
You are going to have to modify the file externally before Access can use it
at all.

 

[joe]

Any suggestions on how to modify it easily? Just need to delete a bunch of
columns.

 

[joe]

I have a header file, can I map which columns I want to link? When I try to
link the table I do not get the option, but if I save the import steps then
would it work?

 

[Klatuu]

Sorry, joe, I really don't.
You might try some old fashioned reading and writing of text files in VBA,
but to be honest, it has been so long since I have done that, I would have to
go back and reteach myself how to do it. And, if your csv file is that
large, it would probably take a long time to execute.

 

[Klatuu]

Having never even seen a file with > 255 columns, I don't know. I doubt it,
but why not try it? What's the worst that could happen (as long as you are
wearing protective clothing <g>)

 

[joe]

New thought process - the file does not exceed 255 columns becuase I can
import the header file. The actual file is size 3 Gigs. Therefore, could I
be linking the file incorrectly.

 

[scubadiver]

My suggestion is that you try converting it to a text file and then
re-import it into Excel. Then you can choose what columns and datatypes you
need.