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HOW TO: Importing a Text File into Excel
Jefferson H.S. Technology Committee, May 22, 2000. v1.5

By D. Collins

Importing a Text file from Dreamwriter to a Spreadsheet

Note: You can record data in a simple text file with a portable word processor. First, however, review the procedure for storing files on a portable word processor such as the Alphasmart or Dreamwriter, connecting the unit to a PC or MAC, and exporting and saving text file.

Step 1:
Start Microsoft Excel

Step 2:
Point to "File", then "Open"

Step 3:
Select the text file you imported from the Dreamwriter.

Step 4: Excel Import Wizard 1 of 3
 After selecting the open command the Excel "Import Wizard" will start it consists of 3 steps to import your source data in to Excel.

Step 5:
The wizard will default to either "Delimited", commas or tabs separate fields, or "Fixed Width", fields aligned in columns with spaces.

 *If your data was taken in column form it is best to select the "Fixed Width" option.
Click on "Next" button.

Step 6: Excel Import Wizard 2 of 3
  This page shows the possible importable data.  You will now select the rows you want to import into Excel.
 
By clicking on the "Data preview" ruler you can decided where exactly you want the columns to break in your Excel worksheet.
Click the "Next" button.

Step 7: Excel Import Wizard 3 of 3
 In this step you will decide how you want the data formatted that you are importing in to Excel.
 
You can select each column that you specified on step 2 of the wizard.  After selecting the column you can decided how you want that data formatted:
General- Converts numeric values to numbers, date values to dates, and all other values to text.
Text- all values convert to the standard text imported
Date- Converts values to varying dates (MDY, DMY, YMD, ETC.)

Click "Finish"


 

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Computer graphic by K. Ballash. All other graphics downloaded from Anthony's Icon Library,WWW Images: http://www.cit.gu.edu.au/images/Images.html , December,  1998.