How can I modify a saved Microsoft Access 2007 or 2010 Import Specification?

I don't believe there is a direct supported way. However, if you are desparate, then under navigation options, select to show system objects. Then in your table list, system tables will appear. Two tables are of interest here: MSysIMEXspecs and MSysIMEXColumns. You'll be able edit import and export information. Good luck!


I am able to use this feature on my machine using MS Access 2007.

  • On the Ribbon, select External Data
  • Select the "Text File" option
  • This displays the Get External Data Wizard
  • Specify the location of the file you wish to import
  • Click OK. This displays the "Import Text Wizard"
  • On the bottom of this dialog screen is the Advanced button you referenced
  • Clicking on this button should display the Import Specification screen and allow you to select and modify an existing import spec.

For what its worth, I'm using Access 2007 SP1


Tim Lentine's answer seems to be true even in the full release. There is just one other thing I would like to mention.

If you complete your import without going into "Advanced..." and saving the spec, but you do save the import for reuse at the end of the wizard (new feature AFAIK), you will not be able to go back and edit that spec. It is built into the "Saved Import". This may be what Knox was referring to.

You can, however, do a partial work around:

  1. Import a new file (or the same one all over again) but,
  2. This time choose to append, instead of making a new
  3. Click OK.
  4. Go into "advanced" All your column heading and data-types will be there.
  5. Now you can make the changes you need and save the spec inside that dialog. Then cancel out of that import (that is not what you wanted anyway, right?)
  6. You can then use that spec for any further imports. It's not a full solution, but saves some of the work.

Tags:

Ms Access