About the Database Import Tool
The Database Import tool imports external ASCII files containing Log and Trend records directly into the archives of the PcVue's project. The main use is to make available data that has been previously exported using the Export function of a Maintenance Plan, but it could equally be used to import data generated by another system as long as it adheres to the correct format.
Before using the Database Import Tool you should take into account the following limitations and recommendations.
- It can only be used with archive units of the Historical Data Server (HDS).
- It can only be used with a database configured to use SQL Server.
- It is highly recommended that you configure an additional database in the PcVue project's archive configuration solely for use for the imported data. See the topic Configuring the archives of the PcVue project when using the Database Import Tool.
The Database Import Tool has two modes of operation.
- Wizard mode. An interactive process using a wizard from which you can select the file location, period, database and table, and filter the records according to variable name.
- Express mode. Not interactive. A configuration file and command line arguments are used to select the file location, period, database and table. The variable names cannot be selected (records for all variables are imported).
A reminder about exporting database records
Records can be exported from PcVue project's archives on a regular cycle using the Export task of a Maintenance Plan. Depending on how the Maintenance Plan has been configured, after the export the records might be purged removing them from the archives completely.
The export task provides various options for the configuration of the files that it generates. To allow for subsequent import, you must use a particular configuration in the Export tab of the Maintenance Task dialog. 
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- Set the Export folder so that it will be accessible to the Import process.
- Select Text format.
- Select Include column headers.
- Enter DAT as the File name extension.
- Select semi-colon (';') as the Delimiter.
The data records must adhere to the correct format, otherwise they cannot be imported and the Database Import tool will display an error message.
The property Substitution string for null value must be left empty if you export data in text format in order to re-import it using the Database Import tool.