By separating the data from the application, updates can be made more easily without disturbing the data. As mentioned above, Access allows you to import files of varying formats. Before you begin the import process, make sure your data is in the best possible format for transfer to a database. For instance, a text file can be imported to Access only if it is in a format understandable to Access such as tabbed columns, tables, or merge data files. It also must be saved as either a fixed width or delimited type of file.
Delimited format separates fields by a special character such as a comma or tab.
In fixed width files each field has a designated position and width in the file. Save As , then selecting the desired format from the Files of Type list. In addition to text files, Access can import spreadsheets and database tables from Excel, Lotus, FoxPro, Paradox, Dbase, and Access. To import a file into Access, open a new or existing database, then click on File , Get External Data , Import . From the Files of Type list, choose the format which matches the data to be imported, enter the filename, and click on Import.