How do you import external data into a pivot table

Hi Andrew,

Choose the menu command Data, then Pivot Tables/Pivot Chart report. Select the option external data source.

Then select Get data. As an example I will use an Access Database. I have saved the database in MyDocuments.

Select MS Access database from the list of available sources. Navigate to the c: drive and open MyDocuments. Select the database and click OK.

Expand the table you wish to retrieve the data from and add the relevant fields by selecting the relevant field in the left box and using the > symbol to add it into the right hand box. When you have finished this click Next to add any filters and Next again to set any sorting options.

Click next again to get to the finish screen where you will be asked what you want to do with the data. Choose return data to excel. Click finish.

Then the original dialogue box you used to retrieve the data source appears. Click Next and choose a cell for your Pivot table. The Microsoft Query window stays open showing you the data retrieved. You can close this down.

I hope this answers your question.

Regards

Simon