1. Import the spreadsheet into a new table.
2. Run a query to add the new records (present in the new table, not present in the old table) to the old table.
3. Run a query to delete the old records (present in the old table, not present in the new one) from the old table (or set a boolean to indicate they aren't valid anymore).
4. For every field that can be updated, run a query to update the field in the old table with the value from the new table if that is different (note the special case of null values!).
It takes some time to set up, but once it runs, it runs perfect, and I keep the information in my own added fields.
These cases included:
- file of pupils synchronised between school (leading) and my own database
- file of members of chess club synchronised between secretary (leading) and treasurer
- file of members of chess club synchronised between national chess federation and chessclub
You'll see the likeness of the situation, I suppose.
If you make a copy of the old table before updating it, you can easily make reports of new, deleted and changed records.
Hope this helps.
Kees
1. I have an excel list that is updated (mailinglist) from the post office.
2. I have an access database that is the original mailing list plus some other information.
3. I need to import the updated excel list into the access database, and have no records repeat.
I am willing to start a new database and import all the records from the excel list into it if that is the only solution possible.
What is the procedure on this?

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