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EXCEL DATA ANALYSIS

USING QUERIES TO SCREEN

EXTERNAL DATABASES

f you want to import data from an external database The easiest way to create a database query is through
that matches only specific criteria, you can create a Excel's Query Wizard. To activate the Wizard, select the Use
I database query. This allows you to import only the data the Query Wizard to create/edit queries option in the
records that you want to analyze, eliminating records that Choose Data Source dialog box. The Query Wizard steps
are of no value to you. For example, you can import all you through the process of creating the query. If you do not
products under $1,000. You also can import data records select this option, you must use Microsoft Query directly to
from multiple database tables with one database query, and create your database query. Microsoft Query is a separate
you can specify that you want Excel to import only specific program designed to create database queries. The Query
columns. For example, you may want only product name Wizard links directly with Microsoft Query and simplifies
and price columns from several database tables containing the process of creating the database query by stepping you
product information. through the process.

When you create a database query, you must first specify You can select the database that matches a certain data
the data source name, or DSN, which is simply the name of source type in the Select Database dialog box. For example,
the data source that you want to query and how to query it. if you select a Microsoft Access data source, you can import
For example, if you import data from a Microsoft Access only an Access database. You can search for databases on
database, you must select the MS Access Database as your any drive to which you have access.
data source.

USING QUERIES TO SCREEN EXTERNAL DATABASES

MS Access Database*

⁄ Click Data ➪ Import ■ The Choose Data Source ‹ If not selected, click the
External Data ➪ New dialog box displays a list of Use the Query Wizard to
Database Query. available data sources. create/edit queries option.
¤ Click the data source for › Click OK.
the database to query.
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