Hi,
i’m currently using the Redcap Database application and want to import data from an excel sheet with the ‘data import tool’ via the given excel template. When I download the template relating to my project all variables are together in the A1 field. Normally that's not a problem when using the Text-to-Columns data tool. But when I use this tool there is a message that the file can contain features that are incompatible with the csv-(comma separated) file when its been saved. And at least when the file is uploaded to redcap there is the following error message:
‘ERROR: The record ID field ("record_id") could not be found in cell A1 of the uploaded CSV file, so REDCap has no way to tell which record is which. Please make sure that variable is in A1 and that all relevant variable names are in Row 1.’ Does anybody know how can I save this problem? Thanks Anne
Hi Anne,
When faced with similar issues, I found that Excel was configured in my native language instead of English, and that meant that the standard column separator for csv files (a comma) was misinterpreted by excel, making it import everything into a single column. One of the ways I used to get a solution was to change the language of Excel to english, since this is the language RedCAP export data in. To do so, go to File -> Options -> Language and then either chose English (if its available) or add the English language to your Excel. This does change a few things, formulas for example, they will all be in English instead of your native language now.
Another option that I also did was to manually change the csv to txt (just edit the extension) and then, using Excel, go to File -> Open, find the folder you have the txt file saved on, it won't appear on the list of files. On the bottom of the open window, there is a list of file extensions that Excel is looking for to open, click there ans select "All files *.*". Now your txt file should appear on the list. Select it, click Open. This will prompt the Excel Text Import Wizard to run, in which you can manually select the delimiters that properly separate columns in your data.
In my opinion, the first option is the best, as it makes all imports from now on automatic. However, being forced to adjust on the language of the software might be a con. The second option works well, but is tedious if you have to repeat the task several times in the long term. But both work.
Good luck!
I found that if you copy your data directly onto the Import template instead of copying the table names onto another spreadsheet.
Dear Anne,
I´m facing the same problem. Did you solve it? Could you share your experience with me?
I did what Igor Paploski suggested and did'n work at the begging. Then I changed language of windows to english and start working properly.
Hope it helps!
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