SQL server 2000 DTS import/export

[dougancil]

I have database1 and database2. Database1 is dumped to me daily from an outside source. Database2 is being copied by DTS but what I'm finding is that it isn't overwriting the data from before, it looks like it's not doing so correctly. I'm seeing duplicate data in database2 but not in database1. Is there any way with DTS that when the data is imported that it will not create duplicate data?

Thank you

Doug

[NeoPa]

Doug:
Database2 is being copied by DTS

I'm sure this is correct as far as it goes, but it doesn't tell us much. From where? To where? Is it even a database you're talking about or just a table? Are there any relationships between the data so far referred to? I could go on.

There are ways to make such things work reliably, but you need to explain your situation before you can expect anyone to help with a solution.

[dougancil]

Neo,

The database is being copied from another database on the same server. The table structure is exactly the same, and there is no relationship between the two tables other than the fact that one is controlled by me (database2) and one isnt (database1.)

I created a new package yesterday in DTS and instead of selecting Copy table and views from the DTS Import/Export Wizard, I selected Copy Objects and data between SQL server Databases. Instead of selecting appending data, I chose replace existing data, so that should take care of that, don't you think??

Thanks

Doug

[NeoPa]

I'm afraid I can't say Doug. It may well work.

Unfortunately, you don't yet seem to have grasped the importance of using terminology correctly and/or accurately. You explanations seem to mix the term table with database quite indescriminatel y. While there is a great deal of leeway when talking in common language (English for instance), especially when face-to-face using gestures that are often not remarked on but pass across meaning nevertheless, this is not true when talking technically. Especially via a web page. A great deal of information can be transferred by particular terms when used correctly, but when used loosely the reverse is also true. Much seeming information must be discarded as unreliable. Essentially success depends on accurate detail. If I am building up a complicated structure in my head, attempting to map what you are describing, and after the picture is nearly complete, I read something that indicates much of what went on before was inaccurate, then I must start over again from scratch, and if there is too much inconsistency it's almost impossible for me to build that picture at all, even if most of what you say is fine, those inconsistencies kill the structure and I am unable to proceed.

I'm not trying to be insulting, far from it. I understand better than most how hard it is for most people to grasp these concepts. I do notice though, that you are asking questions a fair bit here (which we're very happy about) and you would benefit greatly (I feel) from a better understanding of how important is this non-obvious point.

To put it into perspective, I see much of what goes on in this forum and would say without hesitation that the overwhelming majority of questions that are not resolved satisfactorily are due to poor communication rather than a lack of technical expertise on behalf of the experts (That certainly accounts for some of course). Within that there are many who struggle to translate from their own language into English, but after that, the biggest issue is members accurately expressing their problems.