Extracting data from a csv file

[Crafty64]

Hi, I have a very large csv file - so big that when I open it fills up more than the entire number of rows within Excel. However, I only need a fraction of this data - specifically I would like to retrieve data according to a specific criteria. Is there a funky macro that would let me extract data from a csv and dump it into excel but using a filter?

Thanks

 

[DeepakS]

Better, you use Access or MS SQL for this.

 

[Crafty64]

ok thanks, will do

 

[Richard Schollar]

You can use MS Query for this (standalone application commonly also installed when Excel is). You access MS Query via Data>Import External Data in Excel. You can filter the records in MS Query before they are returned to Excel (MS Query itself is not restricted to 65536 records like Excel versions prior to 2007).

 

[Crafty64]

Thanks - I'm using Excel 2003. When I import the data I can't see how I can apply a filter?

 

[Richard Schollar]

You want to go Data>Import External Data>New Database Query>Text Files>Add csv file>Add applicable fields>click on Criteria button on menu and Add Criteria. Here you can apply your filter.

 

[Crafty64]

thanks for that...however I can't see text files as an option...though I can see Excel...need to be able to add text files in the drop down list

 

[Richard Schollar]

Do you have an option for < New Data Source >? If so, click that and use the Microsoft Text Driver on next screen

 

[Crafty64]

cool...thanks!