can i import a microsoft access file into zen cart?

hi everyone,

i was wondering if anyone knows how i might import a pre-existing database file that was exported by microsoft access. access can export as .xls or .mdb format. is this possible? if so, can anyone point me towards documentation on how to do it properly?

any other advice would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

--- josh

Hello Josh

What is the nature of the data that you want to export from MS Access, and then import into Zencart?

i want to export my store's pre-existing inventory database for use in my zen cart online store.

basically, i don't want to have to manually re-type the store's entire catalog by hand, so i was wondering if i could easily import the files somehow.

thanks!

So this is basically PRODUCT INFORMATION, right?

Good news - YES - it is possible to get data out of an existing dbase, such as Access, and get it into zencart...

BUT

There are a number of important steps along the way.

Product data (lots of it) is best imported into Zencart using a module called EASYPOPULATE. This can be found at:-

http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&cPath=40_41&products_id=395

Install this module into your zencart. Make sure you are using the CORRECT VERSION for your zencart version. I trust you are using ZC 1.3.8a , so the EasyPopulate module version to use must be 1.2.5.5

When successfully installed, go here:-

http://www.zen-cart.com/wiki/index.php/Easy_Populate

When you have read that WIKI item, you will be more clear as to how to get your data into a format that EasyPopulate can work with.

So, then you are ready to export your ACCESS data to a MS Excel Spreadsheet.

The task then is to get your spreadsheet into EasyPopulate's format, and (depending on how much data there is) this can take some time.

EasyPopulate is very unforgiving! So you MUST make sure to follow its protocols exactly.

But once it's working, it's great.

There is a commercially available version of EasyPopulate available, and this version has more features.

http://www.zencartbuilder.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1

You may want to try the free, standard version first, as it may suit your needs.