Access 2013 - Dbase (.dbf) Table Import option

It seems many are missing the point.

In Access 2010 there is a drop down option to import dBase files (External Data > More > dBase files option at bottom of list), which is what I need. In Access 2013 this option not longer there, but Access 2013 runs the 2010 dBase Database I created in Access 2010.  The problem is I cannot import more dBase tables. Utterly ridiculous!

So come on Microsoft - why, when Access 2013 works with dBase tables, have you removed the import option? How about an update to Access 2013 restoring the option, or a very simple statement of how to achieve this without messing around with Registry entries or file edits. You made the mistake!

I was able to convert my dbf to an xml file, but Access 2013 365 did not successfully import it.  It seemed to start and then nothing, no error message.  Looks like it crashed.  ODBC is not an option for my situation.  I suspect I will stay with Office 2010 and not upgrade to a downgrade!

Thanks for responding,

J. Austin

You could give the FoxPro ODBC drivers a try. Those drivers often will import dbase files.

Another approach is to contact the vendor of the software in question and ask for what is called an ODBC driver.

So, if you need to import an Oracle database, then you can contact Oracle for what is called an ODBC driver. And if you need to import MySQL databases, then you go to MySQL and they will provide you an ODBC driver that Access can use.

So I would consider approaching the vendor of the software in question and ask them to provide what is called an ODBC driver (open database connectivity).

For other vendors to read Access files, a free ODBC driver is available, and has been so for about 20 years.

So one road would be to talk to the vendor of the software that is creating the data in question and see if they can provide a driver. If they are good company, then they should provide support for their product and their file formats. As noted, the Access ODBC drivers are available and are free and thus any vendor in the marketplace can read with great ease Access files, and do so without need to purchase any drivers as they are provide free of change – even those who don't have Access can download and use the free Access drivers.

Those other vendors should follow suit and do the same thing, and simply support their product and file formats they use.

Albert D. Kallal (Access MVP)

Edmonton, Alberta Canada

I just opened Access 2013 (part of Office 2013 365 Home Premium) and was more that surprised and disappointed to begin to apply a program I've used for several years only to find the absence of any dbf options.  I've lost track of how many times MS has gotten me committed to a program or capability only to pull it.  So, my only option was to purchase "dbf Converter" and convert my dbf file to XML.  And to express my unhappiness on this blog.

Not sure how well that is going to work but will soon find out.  I wonder how many customers MS will lose or make unhappy with this decision.  Sure doesn't make any sense from a customer/user standpoint.  I also recently found out about the $240 charge for technical support.  "Makes you wonder about your life decisions" to quote a recent ice tea commercial.  :) 

J. Austin