How to use OPENDATASOURCE to read in text files

[sepgiv]

I am using OPENDATASOURCE to read data from files
when the file extension is txt ,retrieve is successful

select * 
from OpenDataSource( 'Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0',
'Data Source="c:\files";Extended properties="Text;hdr=no"')...clients#txt

but when the file name type is not txt ,retrieve fails

select * 
from OpenDataSource( 'Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0',
'Data Source="c:\files";Extended properties="Text;hdr=no"')...clients#aln

is it mandatory to use only txt extension ?

thank you

[ck9663]

No, it all depends on the type of file you are reading.Read the full BOL article about OpenDataSource.

Happy Coding!!!

~~ CK

[sepgiv]

both files are the identical .only the extenision name is differant .
i noticed that if the file name is clients#aln the select fails , but if i change the file name to is clients#txt then the select works fine .
by the way where can i find the article you are talking about ?

[ck9663]

You can find it here...

Happy Coding!!!

~~ CK

[sepgiv]

I have already read this article , it does not explain my problem and does not explain how to solve it . can you tell me what to do ?
thank you

[ck9663]

I have tried using other extension before with no problem. But mostly are "CSV, ASC" that usually pertains to text file. Also, ff the pound sign is part of your filename, try using another an underscore.

Good Luck!!!

~~ CK