BCP import then export

[rockmead76]

Hi,

I'm not a SQL person but have the need to export a tables content (from live) and then import into a test system. A backup and restore is not an option.

bcp Database..datab asetable out "c:\Documen ts and Settings\Admini strator\My Documents\test3 .txt" -c -P

Exports ok (I would like to export the tables column headers aswell), but if I try to reimport this file on the same server using

bcp Database..datab asetable in c:\Documents and Settings\Admini strator\My Documents\test3 .txt" -S(local) -c -P password

but I get the following error.....


Starting copy...
SQLState = 23000, NativeError = 2627
Error = [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]Violation of PRIMARY KEY
constraint 'PK___2__10'. Cannot insert duplicate key in object 'ComputerEntry' .
SQLState = 01000, NativeError = 3621
Warning = [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver][SQL Server]The statement has been
terminated.

BCP copy in failed

C:\Documents and Settings\Admini strator\My Documents>Pause
Press any key to continue . . .

Why does export and import fail on the same server (I'm testing on my test system)

I'm afraid this error means little and the more I search google the more confused I get !!

Thanks inadvance

Paul

[debasisdas]

The error message suggests you are importing data to a table and by this process making some primary key violation. ie--trying to insert a duplicate value into the table.

[radcaesar]

Hey, You had exported the values first time and the second time you are trying to insert duplicate values and that violates key.

Truncate the table and then try...

[ck9663]

The rows that you just exported is still on the table. When you BCP-in, it will not delete those existing rows and just add the ones you just imported. Which makes everything a duplicate. Since the table has a duplicate primary key constraint/check, maybe through an index, it gives you the error.

-- CK