PSC - Data Export Instructions

The data export process creates a comma separated values text file (with a .csv extension). This text file contains column headers in the first row and subsequent rows of data that are based on the criteria you have specified. The fields are delimited by commas and have quotes as the text qualifiers. These types of files may be opened/imported in most spreadsheet and database packages (e.g., Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access) or may be merged into a word processing document typically using its merge feature. Many computers have been set up to automatically associate a file with a .csv extension with a spreadsheet package (e.g., Microsoft Excel), so that when you open it from a dialog box or from your system's file navigator (e.g., Windows Explorer), it will automatically open in the associated software package.

Starting the Export Process

Method 1: Right-click on the Export Data link and select "Save Target As ... " from the drop down menu. A "Save As" dialog box will be displayed. Choose a location for the file and make note of it.

Method 2: Left-click on the Export Data link. Select the option to "save the file to disk." Choose a location for the file and make note of it.

Note: You may also have the opportunity to "open the file from current location." If you are presented with and choose this option, the file may open in the software package that is associated with a .csv file extension (e.g., Excel). If your intent is to import the data into a different package, you should use the "save to disk" option instead. If the .csv extension has not been associated with a file type, you may be prompted to choose a software package.

Accessing the File

You can either access the file directly from a software package (e.g., Excel) or from your system's file navigator (e.g., Windows Explorer). The various packages that can read these types of files treat an import of this data differently; for example, in Excel you can simply open the file; in Access you need to start the external data - import process (File|Get External Data|Import). The file may also be accessed through your system's file navigator.