In a message dated 1/2/99 1:03:03 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> I'm trying to convert a database file (ASCII) with about 3,000 records
>  (name, id numbers, addresses etc) that comes from a UNISYS computer so that
>  the information (name, id#) can be used to set up accounts and passwords on
>  a Windows NT server.  We want to use the first initial of the first name
>  and the first 9 letters of the last name as the user logon. Then we would
>  like to make the initial password the id#.  Is there a shareware program
>  that can do this as a batch program instead of doing each record manually?
>  It was being done, using EXCEL, but it was very time consuming.
>  Thanks,
>  Linda McCoy
You need someone with D/B (database) expertise.  Most D/Bs support  a function
that reads a field and manipulates the output. e.g. left(Linda,1,1) would
result in "L", then by adding that result to another result a log on ID could
be created.  Also the D/B has a global update to perform this function on ALL
records.  Computers do one thing, many times, very fast.  By doing it
manually, you are not making the most of your PC.  Your choice.  Manually or
contract a consultant.
Mike Hayes

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