Back

Topic

[KB800]Outline procedure to edit the Variables Tree configuration file (VAREXP.DAT) using Excel

Tags: Excel, Varexp, Variables

Configuration environment
9 years ago
By RM
Options
Print
Applies to:

PcVue all versions
Summary:

The Variables Tree configuration is saved in the CSV (comma separated file) file VAREXP.DAT. With care, it is possible to manage this file directly using a third party tool such as Excel.
Originator: AK
Details:

CAUTION – before attempting to manipulate VAREXP.DAT using a third party tool:

  1. PcVue must be shut down
  2. Make a backup copy of VAREXP.DAT in case of any non-recoverable errors.

Procedure to import VAREXP.DAT into Excel 2007. Later versions of Excel are similar but may vary in detail.

  1. Shutdown PcVue and make a backup of the variables tree configuration file VAREXP.DAT
  2. Open Excel and from the Toolbar select Data.From text.
    kb800 excel1
  3. A file selection dialog opens. Change the file type (bottom tight-hand corner) to All Files (*.*) and locate the project’s VAREXP.DAT. Select Import.
  4. The Text Import Wizard opens and displays a preview of the file. Ensure that the Delimited option is selected and click Next.
    kb800 wizard1
  5. In step 2 of the Text Import Wizard choose the Comma delimiter. Click Finish.
    kb800 wizard2
  6. Make sure the data is imported starting at cell A1.
    kb800 import

The contents of VAREXP.DAT will now appear in Excel and can be eddited. The exact format of the file varies according to PcVue version. A document describing the format can be found on the PcVue distribution media for the version you are using. You can now (carefully) edit the file and make the desired changes.

Procedure to save VAREXP.DAT.

VAREXP.DAT must be saved in the correct format or PcVue will not be able to read it on startup.

  1. Using the Office Button select the command Save as.Other formats and choose the file format CSV(MS-DOS)(*.csv).
    kb800 msdos
  2. Change the proposed File Name to VAREXP.DAT and click the Save button.
  3. During the save process a message will appear queerying the file format. “The selected file format does not support multiple sheets – to save only the active sheet click OK.” Click OK.
  4. You will then see a further message – “varexp.csv may contain features that are not compatible with CSV (MS-DOS) Do you want to keep this format? Click Yes.

You will probably find that Excel has saved the file with a .CSV extension. (VAREXP.DAT.CSV). You must delete the source VAREXP.DAT and rename the file created by Excel to VAREXP.DAT.

Created on: 13 Oct 2015 Last update: 13 May 2024