Using XML with Access 2003

Using Access 2003, you can import data from an XML file as well as export data as XML files. The import and export methods in Access 2003 also enable you to import and export XML data, schema

information, and/or presentation information to and from Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine, Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 or later, and the Microsoft Jet Database Engine. Access 2003 also supports the use of XSLT files when importing or exporting XML data.

Follow these instructions to import data from an XML file into Access 2003:

1. Select File --> New to create a new database file.

The New File task pane opens on the right side of the Access window.

2. Select Blank Database from the New list in the New File task pane.

The File New Database window appears.

3. Enter a name for the database in the File New Database window and then click Create.

A Database window opens in the Access workspace.

4. To get the import ball rolling, choose File --> Get External Data --> Import.

The Import dialog box makes an appearance.

5. In the Import dialog box, choose XML from the Files of Type drop-down menu and then browse to the location of your XML file. Select your XML file and then click Import.

The Import XML dialog box appears.

6. Click the Options button to show all the import options.

You can choose to import Structure Only, Structure and Data, or Append Data to Existing Table(s). If you import an XML Schema, the Options button is grayed out, because the only option is to import the structure only. You can also click the Transform button to add an existing XSLT stylesheet to the imported data.