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I have tried compiling the xp_file but it fails, this may well be bcause I am using VC++, must it be compiled...

Can't remember much about 6.5 but could you not attach the file you have (.dat) to a blank database? You can then backup that BD and restore it onto your...

Not to sure about the first option but you could load the file into a table or variable (VARCHAR(8000)) max.

Have a look at BULK INSERT in BOL.

Cheers,

Crispin

The download butkton at the bottom of the page.

It's an extended proc which you "install" on SQL.

The explination he gives makes it easy to use.

I have used it and...

The link for xp_File.

http://www.sqlservercentral.com/products/jgama/XP_file/

It's an extended proc so on for 2000

Cheers,

Crispin

Don't think you can read a line at a time with BCP.

You can write a line at a time using xp_File and coud, read the entire file into a temp...

Why was it called Port and Starboard? Does the ship only sail one way, keep the stars on the left(?)

Cheers,

Crispin

I've had people walking up to my desk and ask (You can tell what they about to ask!) "Did the backups go through last night?

Same story, "Are you sure you...

Would it not be better to go through all the tables and add the column?

This will save SQL the time and trouble (Read: Overhead) of having to work it out?

How...

Not sure what country you in but when I was working in the US on an e-commerce site, I got all hell because I was saving credit card details on...

I would use a BIT field (1/0).

You can use a Varchar(3) or CHAR(3) and insert Yes / No.

Useing a CHAR(3) will "waste" space as it'll pad the right with a...

Sounds like there's wax in the network card. Take an ear bud and give it a clean.

Sorry, a VERY lame attempt at humour. It's late

Cheers,

Crispin

guarddata, Why not a clustered index? Purly because of the work SQL will have to do during inserts / deletes?

If the table does not that busy with inserts and deletes...

When you say Boolean, you mean BIT? (1 / 0)

There is bot true / false field as such.

I would imagine a BIT would be faster than a INT field.

Cheers,

Crispin

Kenny,

Just tried it and the query now runs at 19ms against 35ms for the second option.

I have used COALESCE once or twice but only to "turn" a record set...