Every week I receive an excel spreadsheet with cases that I import into FileMaker. The excel sheet adds the new cases to the previous weeks' cases. So the sheet keeps growing as new are added. I want the new cases (upon import into FileMaker) to auto enter "Open" in my case status dropdown list. I tried using auto enter data but am having odd results. Often cases that are closed and several years old will show "open" and the new cases will show "Closed". I can't find a pattern to the old cases showing open, so it appears random. Also once the case is closed in the database, I don't want it to show open again on the next import. Any suggestions?

Hi,

Make sure when importing that you only have "Add New Records" checked, not "Update Existing Records" or "Update Matching Records." This should eliminate any over-writing of information (turning previously closed records to "open").

I'm not sure why the auto-enter of "open" wouldn't always work, though. The field is defined to auto-enter Data? Do be sure to check the "perform auto-enter options when importing" box, during the import dialog. If you're spotty on this step, it would explain inconsistent data.

Thanks Sara. I was updating existing records in an attempt for the wrong purpose. The combination of your advice and validate unique value gave me what I was looking for. Thanks again.