Export to an XML File or Import an XML File

You can export the contents of a database to an XML file or import an XML file to a database.

When you export a database to an XML file, the program suggests opening the file in Excel. This is useful if the content of the database is to be modified, because mass changes are particularly fast in Excel.

If you want to import the XML file edited in Excel back to a database, save the file in XML format and keep the file format.

Note: When you import an XML file into a database, all current data in the database is lost and its contents are replaced by the data in the XML file.

Export a database to an XML file

  1. Select System | Databases | Maintenance > Export to XML File.
  2. Browse and select the database and click Open.

    The Save As dialog box opens.

  3. Accept or enter the name of the XML file, select the saving folder, and click Save.

    You will be prompted: "Open file in Excel?”

  4. Click Yes to open the XML file in Excel.

    The Microsoft Excel program opens. Choose to open the file as an XML table.

Import an XML file into a database

First, back up the database whose contents you intend to replace with an XML file. Copy the files d_DATABASE and d_DATABASEc.

  1. Select System | Databases | Maintenance > Import from XML file.
  2. Select the database into which the XML file contents will be imported.
  3. Select the XML file containing the data to be imported.

    The program checks the validity of the XML file and tells you if it is not valid. If the content of the XML file is valid, the program issues a warning stating that all data (X rows) will be deleted from the database and replaced with new data (Y rows).

  4. Select either of the following:
    • Continue: The content of the database will be the content that was in the XML file.
    • Cancel: The content of the database is not touched.