Custom Import Format for Importing Entire Conference Data

The Custom Import Format imports the contents of an entire conference. The fields import in the following order:

Topic Number (Topic ID Alias)

Topic Name

Sub-Topic Number (Sub-Topic ID Alias)

Sub-Topic Name

Category Number (Category ID Alias)

Category Name

Item ID Alias

Special ID (a.k.a. Client control)

Item Headline (up to 255 characters)

Item Description

The import process is quick and easy if the data to be imported is correctly formatted.

To import conference data:

1. Prepare your ASCII Text file. Each record needs to contain a field, even if blank for each of the five fields listed above separated by end of field flags, plus an end of record flag. Test your data file in a spreadsheet application to ensure that the data format is correct and is not distorted. Scan all the records, not just the first few, to ensure all records are formatted appropriately.

2. During a time when users are not active on the FacilitatePro site, in the Administration menu click the Import Data button.

3. Check Use Custom Format.

4. Enter the appropriate Conference owner, or ALL.

5. Type in a unique Conference name, one that does not yet exist within FacilitatePro.

6. Enter the appropriate Group access number(s) or ALL.

7. Check the End of field flag and End of record flag to make sure they correspond to the data you wish to import

8. Double-check all setting before clicking the Import button.

9. Browse through your file structure and select the data file to import and click the Open button.

NOTE: It may take a few minutes to import the data if the files are very large.Wait until the system beeps to let you know that the import is complete. A dialogue box will appear on the server screen to confirm that the import is complete.

Once the data has been imported successfully the new conference and its contents will be accessible via the Web browser interface.

Custom import of whole conference