May someone please let me know if there is a way to import CSV files in an existing table using SQL Server Management Studio GUI
I tried the below but this method always creates a new table and will not allow importing in an existing table:
Right click the database and select Tasks -> Flat File...
Click the Next > button.
For Data Source, select Flat File Source. Then use the Browse button to select the CSV file. Spend some time configuring the data import before clicking the Next > button.
I found a solution to import my data from a CSV file into an existing table using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Please note the main point or step that I was missing on earlier was not doing the right-click on the existing table in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and choose "Import Data" from the context menu. This step is crucial because it initiates the data import process with the intention of importing data into the selected existing table, rather than creating a new one.
- Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Start by launching SQL
Server Management Studio on your computer.
- Connect to Your Database: Connect to the SQL Server instance where
your database and existing table are located. Enter the server name
and your authentication credentials.
- Locate the Existing Table: In the Object Explorer, navigate to the
specific database that contains the table where you want to import
data. Expand the "Tables" node to find your existing table.
- Initiate the Import Data Wizard: Right-click on the name of the
existing table. From the context menu that appears, select "Import
Data..." This will open the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard.
- Choose a Data Source: In the wizard, you'll see the "Choose a Data
Source" page. Here, select "Flat File Source" as the data source.
Click the "Browse" button to locate and select the CSV file you want
to import.
- Configure Data Source Settings: Depending on your CSV file's format,
you may need to configure settings like the delimiter used in the
file. Ensure these settings match your CSV file.
- Specify Destination: Proceed to the "Choose a Destination" page.
Choose "SQL Server Native Client" as the destination, and click the
"Next" button to continue.
- Choose Destination Table: On the "Specify Table Copy or Query" page,
select the destination table where you want to import data. Make
sure the "Enable identity insert" option is unchecked unless you
specifically need to insert identity values from the CSV file. You
can click the "Edit Mappings" button if you need to customize column
mappings.
- Review and Confirm: Review the settings on the subsequent pages of
the wizard to ensure they match your requirements.
- Save or Run the Package: On the "Save and Run Package" page, choose
whether to save the SSIS package for future use or run it
immediately. Make your selection, then click "Next" and "Finish."
- Monitor the Import Process: The wizard will now begin importing
data from the CSV file into your selected table. You can monitor
the progress in the wizard interface.
Completion: Once the import is completed, you should see a summary of the process, including any potential errors or warnings that may have occurred during the import.