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JayGinn's avatar
JayGinn
Qrew Trainee
8 years ago

How to mass update one field in an existing table

We use a table to keep track of devices.  One field is the serial number of the device (Unique).  Another field is the date the device was last seen on the network.  This date is exported from anothe...
JayGinn's avatar
JayGinn
Qrew Trainee
8 years ago
Thanks, Avi.  Please check my 2nd post.  I have set "Serial Number" as the key field.  I have also tried using the record number as the key field.  QuickBase gave me the same response - it tried to create new records, but couldn't since they are unique.  I'm thinking there is some setting that I'm missing that allows imports to overwrite existing data instead of creating new records.  I just can't find that setting.  I can export the records from QuickBase and the other app to .CSV files, make the changes to the 1000+ records, and import the records back to QuickBase after deleting all of the records in the table, but that seems inefficient to me.  I'm looking for a more direct approach so the data is updated in the field in QuickBase without having to delete and "restore" all of the records.
  • AvinashSikenpo1's avatar
    AvinashSikenpo1
    Qrew Trainee
    8 years ago
    Jay, I dont think there exists a setting like that. Quickbase by default will update records if the key field exists. You may want to check if there are leading or trailing spaces in your csv data. use the excel formula  Trim(cell number) on the serial number field and try to reimport. I've had that issue of leading/trailing spaces. 

    Second thing I can suggest is using google drive / box or dropfox folder and placing that CSV in that folder. Create a connected table and then do a lookup to your destination table. setup your csv connected table to refresh everyday (sometime after you place the new CSV file) and it will keep it connected. The sync to CSV is very effective and thorough.