Use this command to display a form that allows you to import account data from external sources. Supported file types are:  Comma delimited text file, Tab delimited text file, Microsoft Access Database, and Custom delimited text file.

Comma delimited text files are files that has values separated by a comma. A Tab delimited text file is a file similar to the comma delimter file except values are separated by a tab. A Custom delimited text file is a file which has a delimeter of your choice. A Microsoft Access Database will import from an .mdb file.

An import source file must have data organized with at least one value of types: account name. Optional values include: account description (or long name), acquisition date, cost/basis, number of shares/par value, CUSIP/Symbol.

Step 1: Select source file and parameters

1. In the File type drop down list select from Comma delimited text file, Tab delimited text file, Custom delimited text file or Microsoft Access Database.
   1. Comma delimited text file is a file that has values separated by a comma. Example: AT&T common stock, 1/3/2009, 4512.50, 100,T.
   2. Tab delimited text file is a file similar to the comma delimter file except values are separated by a tab.
   3. Custom delimited text file is a file which has a delimeter of your choice. If you choose this, enter the correct delimeter into the text box to the right.
   4. Microsoft Access Database will import from a .mdb file.
   
   
2. Select the Source file. 
   1. Click the box beside this text box to locate a file.

Step 2: Designate a category to receive these imported accounts

1. Select an account category to which this data will be imported. Cost of assets and liabilities, if applicable, should be positive amounts. The source file or record should be organized by category and should contain only one category per import operation. Assets and liabilities are imported as Initial Inventory items.

Step 3: Preview data and match columns

1. Match the columns with headers.
2. Use the Column index and Header text controls to assign headers to the appropriate columns. Account name is required. Other column headings are oprional. You can also click the column headers to select. To restore a column header to its default value, select the empty text in the Header text drop-down control.
3. Once you have done that for each column click Import.

Records that are successfully imported are removed from the list. Unsuccessful imports remain. Causes of failure include absense of account name, duplicate account names, and improperly formatted data.