Topic Removing Unwanted Fields

 Applies_To askSam for Windows

    Version 3.x, 2.x

Last_Update September 3, 1996

Question

How do I delete a certain field from all the existing documents in my file?

Answer

You must create a report that outputs all of your fields except for the one you want to remove.  Then export the report output to Rich Text Format and import it into a new askSam file

Resolution

Use the following steps:

1. Open the file that contains the unwanted field.

2. Choose Tools -> New Report

3. Choose Define the Layout

4. Drag up, or type in all of the necessary fields.  Do not include the field you want deleted.

At the end of the page, type: @@

An example report layout is as follows:

Name

Address

City

State

Zip

@@

5. Choose Tools -> Report Tools -> Report Settings and turn on Output Field Names.  Choose OK

6. Choose Tools -> New Report and choose Yes to save changes.

7. Choose Run Report

8. After the report has output, choose File -> Save As.

9. Name the file tmp.ask and choose OK

10. Choose File -> Export -> Entire File

11. Select RTF under file type and name the file out.rtf.  Choose OK

12. After the export is complete, choose Close

13.  Choose File -> New and give your new file a name

14.  Choose File -> Import and select RTF under file type

15.  Choose Set Options and click on String.  Type @@ in the box.  Also select Remove Delimiter String.  Choose OK

16. Select the out.rtf file and choose OK to begin the import.

17. You will need to create a new entry form in this file by choosing Edit -> Entry form.  Type in all your existing field names (this file does not contain the deleted field).