Best way to query a flat fixed length text file

[Random]

I am trying to insert a semi fixed length file into a SQL database.
Does anyone know of a way to query a fixed length file like you can a
csv to only insert the records that meet certain criteria? So far, I
have had success using vbscript to open the file and then parse out
the lines, but I am wondering if there is a more efficient method?

Thanks for any help.

[Steve Kass]

See if the way I use the ODBC text driver to query a DOS
directory listing is any help:

[url]http://www.users.drew.edu/skass/sql/TextDriver.htm[/url]

You could also bcp or bulk insert the entire file in and then evaluate
the criteria. There are options, so play around and see
what's efficient.

Steve Kass
Drew University

Random wrote:

>I am trying to insert a semi fixed length file into a SQL database.
>Does anyone know of a way to query a fixed length file like you can a
>csv to only insert the records that meet certain criteria? So far, I
>have had success using vbscript to open the file and then parse out
>the lines, but I am wondering if there is a more efficient method?
>
>Thanks for any help.
>
>