updating changed fields and adding new rows..

[willmafingerdo]

Hello,
I am wondering if i can import a table and have it compare whats on the master table and update any changed fields and add any new records. I was thinking an update query but i dont know if that would capture the new records. The table is used to track promotion dates and those dates can change due to various reasons, so i would need the promotion due date to be updated accordingly. along w/ adding the new names.. I would be running the master report and updating it ever week.

[orange]

Sounds like a typical batch of transactions to be applied to existing tables.

If  Transaction   = ExistingRecord     Yes==>then Update Exisitng record
   Else =No==>Create new Record

[willmafingerdo]

Is this something i can do in Access or do i have to do it in VB?

[orange]

Access should be fine.

[willmafingerdo]

could you give me some info so i know what to google to find how to do it? like is there a technical name of what im trying to do or anything like that.. i try googling adding records to file w/ updates and i get all kinds of random results

[orange]

This is an old technique from years ago -often called Balanced Line Technique. Used a lot in the "Cobol/PL1 days".
Here is an article.

[davegri]

Used a lot in the "Cobol/PL1 days".

Boy, do I remember that. Had to hang 3 tapes and totally re-write the master file to a blank tape as it was being updated. Could take hours for large files.

[orange]

True. I have similar memories (nightmares). The logic of the Balance Line approach is still sound.