How to read a .mdb or .accdb file in sas

[SB12]

Is there a way to read access database file format in UNIX SAS other than using PC file server.

If i use the libname statement or Proc Import, it gives me either of the following error:

ERROR: The ACCESS engine cannot be found.

ERROR: DBMS type ACCESS not valid for import.

[ChrisHemedinger]

If you have SAS Enterprise Guide, the File->Import Data task can read these files for you and create SAS data sets.  It gets the data into SAS, but not by using a SAS program that you can run within a UNIX session.

The other method is by using ODBC to connect to the MS Access database file, but I don't think that would work from UNIX either -- it relies on the Windows ACE drivers to read the data.

Chris

[SB12]

Hi Chris,

           I was aware of the Import Wizard in the Enterprise Guide, however i would have to manually do the import and run the remaining part of the program. My Access file is very huge and when i used the import wizard, it almost took me 1 hour to complete the whole process. So, i had to wait for that. I was looking for something that i could just do everything in one process run.

[LinusH]

Why don't you want to use a PC Files Server?

[SB12]

Hi LinusH,

We have pc file server macro created by the developers, but that can be only used to import/export from NAS drive. I dont think i can have the PC file server installed in my desktop or the grid.

[SASKiwi]

If you have a macro using the PC File Server, why can't you write your own code to do the same thing? The PC File Server doesn't have to be installed on the same Windows computer as your Access database. It could also be installed on your desktop.

PROC IMPORT DATATABLE='Customers'
     DBMS=ACCESSCS
     OUT=SASCUSTOMERS REPLACE;
     DATABASE='mydrive:\yourAccessdirectory\AnnualFiles.accdb';
     SERVER="yourPCFServer.com";
     PORT=9621;
     DBDSOPTS='READBUFF=30';
RUN;