combine vars w/ same name in different files

[Mark Palmberg]

I do a lot of merge files processes (via the wizard), but I'm stuck now (or
blinded by my ignorance).  I have a main file with two variables:  ID and
CAPACITY.  The capacity variable was merged to my main file some months ago
from an external vendor's file.  **Not all records in my main file now
contain a value for CAPACITY.**

I now have another, updated, file with variables "ID" and "CAPACITY."  I can
merge the files on key field ID, but then I'd have two CAPACITY variables in
the main file (or CAPACITY and CAPACITY1), when what I really want to do is
add the CAPACITY variable *values* from the new, updated, file to the
records on the main file that do not yet have a value for this variable.
The "Copy Data Properties" doesn't appear to be what I'm after, and I don't
see anything under the CSR that might help.  Perhaps I could use the RENAME
subcommand under MATCH FILES and just create a new variable to hold merged
data from the two identical CAPACITY variables in the input files?

Apologizing in advance for not providing enough clarification,

Mark

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[Melissa Ives]

Make sure that CAPACITY is the same format in both files, and look at the UPDATE command.

Melissa

-----Original Message-----
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mark Palmberg
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 3:51 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [SPSSX-L] combine vars w/ same name in different files

I do a lot of merge files processes (via the wizard), but I'm stuck now (or blinded by my ignorance).  I have a main file with two variables:  ID and CAPACITY.  The capacity variable was merged to my main file some months ago from an external vendor's file.  **Not all records in my main file now contain a value for CAPACITY.**

I now have another, updated, file with variables "ID" and "CAPACITY."  I can merge the files on key field ID, but then I'd have two CAPACITY variables in the main file (or CAPACITY and CAPACITY1), when what I really want to do is add the CAPACITY variable *values* from the new, updated, file to the records on the main file that do not yet have a value for this variable.
The "Copy Data Properties" doesn't appear to be what I'm after, and I don't see anything under the CSR that might help.  Perhaps I could use the RENAME subcommand under MATCH FILES and just create a new variable to hold merged data from the two identical CAPACITY variables in the input files?

Apologizing in advance for not providing enough clarification,

Mark

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[Mark Palmberg]

And I only used the word "updated" what, three times in my plea for
assistance?  Sheesh.  Thank you, Melissa.

Mark

On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 3:53 PM, Melissa Ives <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Make sure that CAPACITY is the same format in both files, and look at the
> UPDATE command.
>
> Melissa
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
> Mark Palmberg
> Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 3:51 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [SPSSX-L] combine vars w/ same name in different files
>
> I do a lot of merge files processes (via the wizard), but I'm stuck now
> (or blinded by my ignorance).  I have a main file with two variables:  ID
> and CAPACITY.  The capacity variable was merged to my main file some months
> ago from an external vendor's file.  **Not all records in my main file now
> contain a value for CAPACITY.**
>
> I now have another, updated, file with variables "ID" and "CAPACITY."  I
> can merge the files on key field ID, but then I'd have two CAPACITY
> variables in the main file (or CAPACITY and CAPACITY1), when what I really
> want to do is add the CAPACITY variable *values* from the new, updated, file
> to the records on the main file that do not yet have a value for this
> variable.
> The "Copy Data Properties" doesn't appear to be what I'm after, and I
> don't see anything under the CSR that might help.  Perhaps I could use the
> RENAME subcommand under MATCH FILES and just create a new variable to hold
> merged data from the two identical CAPACITY variables in the input files?
>
> Apologizing in advance for not providing enough clarification,
>
> Mark
>
> =====================
> To manage your subscription to SPSSX-L, send a message to
> [hidden email] (not to SPSSX-L), with no body text except the
> command. To leave the list, send the command SIGNOFF SPSSX-L For a list of
> commands to manage subscriptions, send the command INFO REFCARD
>
> PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
> This transmittal and any attachments may contain PRIVILEGED AND
> CONFIDENTIAL information and is intended only for the use of the
> addressee. If you are not the designated recipient, or an employee
> or agent authorized to deliver such transmittals to the designated
> recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
> copying or publication of this transmittal is strictly prohibited. If
> you have received this transmittal in error, please notify us
> immediately by replying to the sender and delete this copy from your
> system. You may also call us at [phone] for assistance.
>

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