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Updating Fields in Existing Records with Data Import? RRS feed

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    Can I use the Data Map/Data Import feature to UPDATE a field in existing records in CRM (through a CSV file)?

    I can't seem to figure out how...
    Wednesday, April 8, 2009 4:31 PM

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    Hi,

    It can be done by following steps:

    1. Export the data that you want to update (you must include the columns that you want to be updated)
    2. You must export with Dynamic Worksheet option
    3. When you open the excel file, you will notice there is a hidden cloumn at the end of columns, make sure unhide it
    4. Save the Excel file as CSV (comma delimited) file
    5. Now you can edit the data (Don't edit the Header)
    6. When you import it back, you will see at the top of the screen the possibility to ‘Enrich data by updating records rather than creating new records.’ is given

    Good Luck!
    Wednesday, April 8, 2009 4:49 PM
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    I believe that option is only available in CRM Online (to enrich data) - it was available in a beta version of CRM 4.0 for on-premise, but is not included in the RTM product. An alternate that is much cheaper than Scribe is EBAX, which lets you update records right from within Excel. (I'm not affiliated with EBAX, but I like their product). More info: http://blog.prosoft-sys.com/prosoft_systems_internati/2008/10/ebax-updated-v3.html
    Matt Wittemann, MVP for CRM (http://www.mscrm4.com)
    Wednesday, April 8, 2009 5:44 PM
    Moderator

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    Have a look at this tool, it might help.  If not, you may want to consider purchasing Scribe Software.  You will easily be able to do updates to existing records with Scribe.  www.scribesoft.com

    CRM Data Import Tool

    http://blogs.msdn.com/crm/archive/2008/01/25/data-manipulation-tool.aspx
    Best Regards, Donna
    Wednesday, April 8, 2009 4:46 PM
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    Hi,

    It can be done by following steps:

    1. Export the data that you want to update (you must include the columns that you want to be updated)
    2. You must export with Dynamic Worksheet option
    3. When you open the excel file, you will notice there is a hidden cloumn at the end of columns, make sure unhide it
    4. Save the Excel file as CSV (comma delimited) file
    5. Now you can edit the data (Don't edit the Header)
    6. When you import it back, you will see at the top of the screen the possibility to ‘Enrich data by updating records rather than creating new records.’ is given

    Good Luck!
    Wednesday, April 8, 2009 4:49 PM
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    I believe that option is only available in CRM Online (to enrich data) - it was available in a beta version of CRM 4.0 for on-premise, but is not included in the RTM product. An alternate that is much cheaper than Scribe is EBAX, which lets you update records right from within Excel. (I'm not affiliated with EBAX, but I like their product). More info: http://blog.prosoft-sys.com/prosoft_systems_internati/2008/10/ebax-updated-v3.html
    Matt Wittemann, MVP for CRM (http://www.mscrm4.com)
    Wednesday, April 8, 2009 5:44 PM
    Moderator
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    Yes, Ebax is good too, thanks Matt.  the Codeplex tool, Scribe or Ebax should get the job done.  Best of luck with your updates!
    Best Regards, Donna
    Wednesday, April 8, 2009 6:30 PM
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    Hi.

    I have spent half of today trying to find a way to solve this problem.
    Finally I got it.

    You have to:
    • export the file in excell format;
    • open it and unhide the hidden column (click in upper left corner to select all or click CTRL+A);
    • save the file as a .csv;
    • open the csv, rename the (<entityname>id) column in <entityname>, i.e.: rename (accountid) in Account
    • put the column at the beginning of the file, IT MUST BE THE FIRS COLUMN!!!!!
    • now when you import the .csv the "Enrich data....." checkbox will become available.
    I tried and it works!

    regards



    Marco
    • Proposed as answer by Marco Ray._ Thursday, April 23, 2009 3:42 PM
    Thursday, April 23, 2009 3:42 PM
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    I'm guessing no one has figured out a tool or a workaround to using the import to update lookup fields (both the MS tool and the method above doesn't update them). For example changing the account on an Opportunity, I've tried using the company name and also the ID neither of which does the trick.
    Thursday, April 23, 2009 7:45 PM
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    Try these tools:

    Microsoft Dynamics CRM Bulk Update and Export tool

    http://www.codeplex.com/mscrmbulkupdatetool

    Ebax

    http://www.prosoft-sys.com/products.htm

    Scribe Software

    www.scribesoft.com
    Best Regards, Donna
    Thursday, April 23, 2009 9:31 PM
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    I contacted Microsoft regarding this because we had the exact same issue.  They said that the ability to update lookup fields during a re-import (enrich data) was removed during beta due to some bugs and they didn't ever put it back in.  You can assign lookups during new data imports, just not re-imports.  They said the only way to accomplish this is using the API. 
    Thursday, June 25, 2009 1:57 PM
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    The answer to the question is two-fold, one solution for CRM Online and the other solutions are for On Premise.  CRM Online provides a method for enriching data and one can use the various tools referenced in the other posts for On Premise Updates.

    Best Regards, Donna
    Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:51 PM
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    Tks, it works for me.
    Thursday, January 20, 2011 2:12 PM
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    If you have license for SQL Server 2005 and up, check CozyRoc SSIS+ library here. It is a suite of components and it includes adapters for Dynamics CRM. All three deployment types are supported and it supports CRM 3, 4 and 2011.
    SSIS Tasks Components Scripts Services | http://www.cozyroc.com/
    Tuesday, April 26, 2011 6:42 PM
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    I know this thread is several years old, but could you clarify your second-to-last bullet? I tried what I thought you instructed, but it didn't work for me.  Originally, my exported data had the column heading "Account" - which included the unique code.  My checkbox didn't appear this way.  I renamed it using accountid and that didn't work either.  I also tried (accountid).  I am still not getting the checkbox option.

    Thanks

    Wednesday, November 13, 2013 8:19 PM