database tables import question

[buildingblocks]

Are there any problems with importing the tables: address_book, customers and customers_info from one database into another database?

I did this in a test cart. What I did first is delete the few existing customers and their orders from admin panel and then in phpmyadmin I imported the three tables previously saved from exported sql files.

All appears to be ok but I'm just wondering if there could be any problems doing it this way.

[kuroi]

We do this all the time. However, you do need to understand how the tables work together to ensure that you get complete sets, otherwise you can completely compromise the integrity of your database.

[buildingblocks]

Thank you.

I've read that these three tables are the only ones involved for importing the customer info. Is that correct?

Is there a way to import these tables without overwriting existing customer info?

[DrByte]

You haven't explained *why* you're doing this.
There are many other things related too, such as orders/purchase history, newsletter tracking, group discounts, and so on. Without knowing the context, namely the specific business reason for doing this, the general advice is: don't mess with partial sets of data, lest you end up with problems.

[buildingblocks]

specifically to import customer names, address, email etc....the info you find in admin customers > customers. No orders attached to the customers names.

[DrByte]

Fine. If all you want to import is that info, then fine. But ... you've not mentioned anything about EXISTING stuff already in your database, including orders, group-pricing, etc, etc, etc.

Any table that's got a customers_id field, or in some cases a variation on that spelling, probably should have ALL its data deleted if you're going to import customer records from another database.

What you're doing is NOT recommended without having a SOLID understanding of all the database relationships.

FOR FUTURE READERS OF THIS DISCUSSION ... DO NOT BLINDLY IMPORT DATA WITHOUT STUDYING ALL DATABASE RELATIONSHIPS THOROUGHLY.

[buildingblocks]

All customers and customer orders have been deleted to avoid clashing customer ID's

[schoolboy]

All customers and customer orders have been deleted to avoid clashing customer ID's

But I bought something from you last week, and now want to go into my order history to see details of the transaction...

[buildingblocks]

I know, I know but the existing customers were few and the old customer base is wanted in there very badly, so it is one or the other, unless the customers, address book and customer info can be imported creating new ID's for them and not over write the existing tables. Maybe that's not possible.

[schoolboy]

... creating new ID's for them and not over write the existing tables...

I think this is possible...

If you go into your EXISTING database and see the LAST customer ID number... Then, in your INSERT sql for the new customers, make sure their ID numbers are sequentially numbered, starting from an integer that is ONE greater than the last ID number in your existing table.

(Make sure you have your site in maintenance mode... you don't want someone registering during this process!)