New Guy

[Markw]

Gentlemen,

I'm sure you all remember the beginning of your Access quest. Well, that is where I am, at the beginning. I have downloaded the available material from the website, read and read the emails as advised. I have a couple of texts "Access 2000 for Windows for Dummies" and a big thick sucker "Running Microsoft Access 2000". I am not easily intimidated but am worried that I may have difficulty mastering this subject to the extent necessary to effectively use this program.

I will be attending the seminar in Las Vegas in July and want to get started now so I can understand the information discussed then. That's 90 days. I have used computers since the mid 80's and am proficient in word processing and spreadsheet programs. I have done a little programming in excel.

Would anyone be willing to extend me a helping hand and give me a little direction?

Thank you,

[Rick]

Jump in and get your feet wet.

Two ways to start.

1. Download the ALL_HX4.mdb from the download page. The tables are defined, has a macro for importing the ALL_HX4.txt files, the Import Specification file is defined, and has an ROI report that works off the ALL_MSA Misc query. (Sorry names may not be exact.)

2. Export from HTR2 to an ALL_HX4.txt file. Open Access and import that file. You can create your own tables, your own Import Specification file. Download the HX4.txt file to find out what to expect in each field. Also read the latest Newsletter cause it mentions some changes in the HX4 export that are not in the HX4.txt file.

Play with it. Break it a few times. Then start over.

#1 is great if you don't want to get into Access that much. #2 is better if you want to get a feel for Access and how it works. Of course you can do both.

[MikeDee]

welcome Mark,

I second Ricks advice. His db template is the easist way to get started. Just ask questions as you go and you will find many here willing to help.

[Markw]

Sure sounds simple enough! I guess at this point there is not allot to break!!

Thank you Ricks,

Markw

[Markw]

Gentlemen: A Couple of questions:

1. I assume that I should download the ALL_HX4.mdb into the C:\HTR folder along with the new Feb 26 HX4.txt file? Then run the export in the HTR program specifying the tracks etc?

2. So let's say I do this with several tracks and play around and become more familiar with the general lay the land. Now I want to start exporting and creating a database for real with races that I have handicapped and used PL-0 paceline selection with. What about the data already in that database? Do I just delete the database and download it again and start over?

Takes awhile to read the book and then attempt some practical exercise. So will go at this at a slow pace.

Thank you for your patience!!

Markw

[Rick]

I created a folder called My Databases. I put my databases in there and changed the settings in Access to point to that folder. What ever works for you. You start importing into Access and you will find using the ALL_HX4 is much easier than downloading to track files. You just have to plan for what you are going to put in your table. All tracks? Just a few? You can select the ALL_HX4 and hightlight tracks one at a time and export them one at a time if you don't want them all. You play around with it and you will find what works for you. Don't forget to delete the ALL_HX4.txt file after you have imported them into your table. If it exist HTR2 will continue to add files to the same file, even if they are the same races.


If you want to mix pacelines in the same table you will need to add PL to the Primary Key. You are probably better off to use a separate table for each PL you use.

[Markw]

Thank you Ricks!!

Markw

[MikeDee]

What about the data already in that database? Do I just delete the database and download it again and start over?

The import maco just adds new data to an existing table. It adds the data in the all_hx4.txt file to your table. So if the data in your table is good data, then you can just add more to it. If the data is practice and you just want to begin anew then you can delete the data.

A good way to remove the data in a table but keep the table definition and all of the field names and the settings is with a delete query. A delete qurey should be covered in the material you are reading but if not, let me know and I can help you with it.

[Markw]

Thanks for the help, MikeDee, It is appreciated.

Markw