Access 2013 - Dbase (.dbf) Table Import option

Anonymous
2013-02-03T16:16:55+00:00

I need to be able to import read/write Dbase dbf tables - yes they are still around so why has the standard option that was in Access 2010 gone?

I have seen mention of ISAM, which is gobbledegook to me. So please a simple answer - what do I need to install or change and how do I do it?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows

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ScottGem 68,840 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2016-09-08T09:08:22+00:00

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-11-01T15:15:53+00:00

    I agree Scott.  In Access 2016, I'm seeing they have brought back dbase in versions 3, 4 and 5 which is awesome!

    This string should be closed to stop any further rants.

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  2. ScottGem 68,840 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2016-11-01T14:55:33+00:00

    Umm Michael, before you start ranting and making yourself look foolish, you should read the whole thread. 

    In point of fact, the reason it was removed is because research showed it wasn't being used. But there was a significant group that required it and Microsoft has restored it!

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-11-01T14:50:30+00:00

    G*DDAMIT MICROSOFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS?

    ONCE OF THE SINGLE MOST USEFUL FEATURES IN THE *REAL WORLD* FOR GETTIG OLD DATA INTO ACCESS FROM DBF FILES AND YOU? JUST REMOVE IT?

    YOU DID THE SAME THING WITH THE'REVERSE ENGINEER' FUNCTION IN VISIO..

    AND THE 'RECPORD MACRO' FUNCTION IN VISUAL STUDIO

    THIS IS WHY PEOPLE HATE YOUR  GUTS

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  4. George Hepworth 23,120 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2016-08-25T14:36:12+00:00

    Interestingly enough.

    The Access Team at Microsoft has announced PUBLICLY that they will bring back the ability to connect to . dbf files.

    It's NOT a secret; they plan to do it; they have said so publicly, via UserVoice.

    I find it hard to reconcile that public announcement of the intent to restore this ability with the on-going chain of posts here. I don't know.

    Just in case you missed it, or can't find the UserVoice forum:

    "Thanks again everyone for voting and for letting us know what’s your top priority.

    We are listening to our customers and your feedback is valuable!

    With that – dBase support is on our radar and is on our planned roadmap :-)

    Stay tuned for updates.

    Michal [MSFT]"

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