Import Text to SQL Server CE Automatically
Looking to import data from Text to SQL Server CE?
Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise provides everything you need to automate the data import without writing custom scripts. Visually map and transform your fields, then run the Import immediately or schedule it to repeat automatically.
Video: Watch the Data Import in Action
Watch a general data-import walkthrough showing how to connect databases, map fields, and run an import in Advanced ETL Processor.
How to Import Text Files into SQL Server CE
- Open the Software
Start Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise. - Define Source Directory
Connect to the folder containing your text or CSV files. - Create SQL Server CE Connection
Specify the path to your `.sdf` file and configure login (if applicable). - Create a Transformation
- Right-click your transformation group → New
- Configure the Text Reader
- Apply file masks like
*.csvor*.txt - Choose delimiter, encoding, header options, or fixed widths
- Apply file masks like
- Set Up SQL Server CE Writer
- Choose your SQL Server CE connection
- Select the target table and operation type (insert, update, etc.)
- Map Fields and Transform Data
- Drag-and-drop mapping between source and destination
- Use built-in transformers for trimming, type conversion, etc.
- Execute and Review Results
- Click Execute to start the import
- View logs for row counts, errors, and execution time
- Automate the Job
- Use built-in scheduler for hourly/daily imports
- Trigger jobs on file detection or external events
Useful links for this import
Start with the Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise overview, then download the fully functional 30-day trial. The import-data hub lists the other Text import workflows.
FAQ
Can Advanced ETL Processor import Text to SQL Server CE?
Yes. Advanced ETL Processor can read Text, map fields, validate data, write to SQL Server CE, and log the import.
Do I need to write scripts for the import?
No scripting is required for the normal import workflow. You can configure the reader, writer, mapping, validation, and schedule visually.
Can the Text import run on a schedule?
Yes. The package can run on a schedule, process matching Text files, archive originals, and write rows to SQL Server CE with the same validation rules each time.
Can imported data be transformed before loading?
Yes. You can clean values, convert data types, calculate fields, split columns, and apply lookup rules before writing to the target.
Can bad rows be logged or rejected?
Yes. Add validation rules so rejected rows, failed files, row counts, and error details are visible after each run.
What should I check before the first production import?
Check source layout, target table, key fields, data types, date formats, write mode, archive folder, and failure handling.
When should I not automate the import yet?
Do not automate it until the source layout, target table, key fields, and bad-row handling are clear. Automation repeats rules; it does not invent them.
Can I test the import before buying?
Yes. Download the fully functional 30-day trial, build one small import, and test it with a deliberately awkward sample file.
Automate Your Text-to-SQL Server CE Imports
Download the fully functional 30-day trial and build your first import using your own Text and SQL Server CE databases.
Direct download. No registration required.