Import QVD to Access Automatically
Importing QlikView QVD files into Microsoft Access is not straightforward using standard tools - but Advanced ETL Processor makes it easy. You can automate the entire QVD-to-Access import process without writing any SQL or VBA code.
What Is a QVD File?
A QVD (QlikView Data) file is a proprietary format used by QlikView and Qlik Sense to store structured data for rapid access. QVDs are not supported directly by Microsoft Access, which is why an ETL tool like Advanced ETL Processor is essential.
What Is Microsoft Access?
Microsoft Access is a file-based desktop database system used for building simple business applications, reports, and data management tools. It integrates well with Excel, forms, and VBA but requires external help to import formats like QVD.
Why Import QVD into Access?
- Enable SQL-based reporting on QlikView data in a local environment
- Combine QVD content with other Access tables or Excel-linked data
- Make Qlik data available to desktop apps, forms, or macros
How to Import QVD to Microsoft Access - Step-by-Step
1. Launch Advanced ETL Processor
Open the Enterprise Edition of Advanced ETL Processor. Under Tools > Connections, set up connections for both your QVD source and Access database file.
2. Create a New Transformation
Right-click on a transformation group and choose New to create a new dataflow.
3. Update Reader Properties
- Drag the QVD Reader onto the canvas
- Double-click it to open the Properties dialog
- Select the correct QVD connection
- Choose the QVD file to import
4. Update Writer Properties
- Drag the Access Writer onto the canvas
- Double-click to open the Properties dialog
- Select the appropriate Access connection
- Select the target `.mdb` or `.accdb` file and the destination table
5. Map and Transform Data
Link fields between the QVD Reader and Access Writer using the AutoMap feature or map them manually. You can also apply data transformations like formatting, type conversion, or trimming.
6. Run the Import
Click Execute to run the import process. You can save the transformation for future use or automation.
7. Automate and Monitor
- Use the built-in scheduler to run the job at defined intervals
- Trigger execution based on file availability or external events
- Enable audit logging, error handling, and rollback options
Where this import fits
Import QVD to Access is useful when QVD data needs to feed Access, reporting databases, operational systems, migration jobs, or downstream ETL workflows. Use it when the same import needs validation, mapping, transformations, scheduling, and logs instead of another manual load.
Do not automate the import until the source layout, target table, key fields, write mode, and failure behaviour are agreed. Automation repeats rules; it does not rescue unclear ones.
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 QVD import workflows.
Business usage examples
Qlik reporting archive
Load QVD extracts into Access so reporting teams can query historical Qlik data outside the dashboard layer.
BI migration staging
Move QVD data into Access staging tables before validation, reconciliation, and warehouse loading.
Scheduled analytics feed
Import recurring QVD files into Access with logs and rejected-row handling instead of manual export steps.
Video Tutorial
FAQ
Can Advanced ETL Processor import QVD to Access?
Yes. Advanced ETL Processor can read QVD, map fields, validate data, write to Access, 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 QVD import run on a schedule?
Yes. The package can run on a schedule, process matching QVD files, archive originals, and write rows to Access 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.
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