Good morning,

I have frequently needed to capture a list of ID#'s (in excel) from one of my exports and re-enter them into query, to export more data, etc.  It seems it can't be done!  I.E., say I have a list of 25 ID numbers in excel, and I need those exact 25 numbers copied and pasted into the query request.  Seems so easy.....hope I am not overlooking something.  Thanks all.

 Sue

You are not overlooking anything. This is on the ideas list at www.blackbus.com and was presented at the conference last year as one of the issues we wanted them to fix. 

They honestly couldn't imagine why anyone wanted to cut and paste into excel and your example as well as the gigantic list of zip codes someone sends you that they want in their query. 

Also being able to copy criteria like summary information within a query to create 2 summary info criterion with very similar criteria, i.e. with just one difference (date range or gift type for example), was requested as well.

With IDs you have other options as well. If you want to or (if your list was much greater you definitely would want to) you can use that excel spreadsheet to import an identifier to those records for you to query on.  Many of us have done this by importing an attribute.  Even if you simply create a temporary attribute you plan on deleting afterwords, it is sometimes quicker than doing your query with the "specific record = one of" criteria.

Yes this functionality would be great. Just as a side note, and if I'm not mistaken, a temporary attribute is not necessary. If you have relevant import ID's you can do an import of existing data and just select the option to create a static query of changed records. Thus giving you the ability to use this query for other purposes.

Another brilliant idea, Keith!  I hardly ever use the create a query option so I did not think of that.

Sue -

Actually, it CAN be done - I do it all the time. Especially when I've done a bunch of work manipulating the data in Excel & then realize I forgot the Anonymous field. I would not want to re-export the data again & lose all my work just to add a column for anonymous to the spreadsheet!

Here's what you do. Create a CSV file with just the donor ID & import that into RE, using the option to Update Existing Records. Be sure to check the box to Create an Output Query. Here's a KB solution that outlines the steps BB124766.

I think this will help you!!

That is correct! It's the coolest thing...give it a try.

I put something in the User's Edge blog about this a couple of weeks ago.

I don't know if anyone has checked out the blogs yet, but here's the link for anyone who is interested:

http://forums.blackbaud.com/blogs/raisersedge/archive/2008/03/07/excelsior.aspx