Hi,

I am using Maximizer 8 and wih to import a csv or txt file created in Excel.

I have created an Address Book in Maximizer with column names identical to those in the Excel Spreadsheet.


My problem is that whenever I try to import the csv or txt file, I receive the following message:

***********************
An INVALID FILE NAME error occurred on the 'USER' file
***********************

What is the proper process for creating and importing data from external files such as Excel?

Please help as this is now urgent.

KB Article #041118-000001 on Maximizer's site has detailed info. Also, a search of the same site will yield many other articles.

IRIS

Is this an empty database or are you adding things to an existing? I've been able to import (somewhat haphazardly) a csv file exported from Act 2005 into an empty Maximizer 8 database.

Also, this is a long-shot, but perhaps the message means what it says. If your file name is at all complicated (spaces, dashes, upper and lower case, etc), you might try changing it to something simple like test.csv - just a thought.

I've done TONS of importing using tab-delimited TXT files. Never had a problem and found it easier to do with Max's import tools that with any other software I've ever used. I consider this a strength of Max's after merging multiple databases into one, importing from Excel spreadsheets (via TXT files) into Max repeatedly, etc. I'd follow Denver Dave's suggestions - I can't see it being Max. Having said that, I'm using Version 7, although I can't see whay they'd change the import routines a whole lot for Version 8.

- R.

Thanks guys for this info. I looked at the Maximizer website before posting here and couldn't find any useful information.

I found the error code on their website and followed their suggestion to put the csv or txt file in a folder closer to the root directory and to change the name so that there are no spaces etc.. NO LUCK.

The file I want to import is my client list and want to add this file (txt format) to my distribution list in Maximizer.

How would you guys go about importing a csv or txt file? Please list the step by step process.

Laurieh, the KB article will give you step-by-step. Also, many other how to's on the site. I'd suggest you need to search a little more.

For long filenames you can always using the DOS format - ie: C:\Progra~1\Maximi~1\... is the same as C:\Program Files\Maximizer\...

IRIS

quote:

***********************
An INVALID FILE NAME error occurred on the 'USER' file
***********************

Since you're getting this error I don't think a Step by Step will help - it's not a procedural issue.

I select the file right at the beginning by going File > Import > Address Book Entries, then using the Browse buttom to look for the file in question. I also make sure the Format is set to Tab Delimited and "DOS text file" is checked. If you're doing this right the worst thing that should happen is scrammbled info imported, not an error message.

So ...
- At what point do you get that error? (list for us each step you do on each screen)
- How do you create the text file? (again, list each step)
- Do you key in the import file name or use the Browse button? (hint - use the Browse button)
- Have you tried this with different text files to see if one is corrupt somehow?
- Do you have Administrator priviliges at the operating system level? Is the folder the file is in one you have access to?
- Have you tried selecting a few records in Max and using File > Export to create a new text file, then importing that text file into an empty database?

These are a few of the things I'd try or look into.

- R.