Import QVD to SQL Server CE Automatically
Transferring QlikView QVD files into SQL Server Compact Edition (SQL Server CE) can be tricky, especially due to format limitations and lack of native support. Advanced ETL Processor eliminates this complexity by allowing you to automate QVD imports - with no coding or scripting required.
What Is a QVD File?
A QVD (QlikView Data) file is a proprietary format optimized for speed and structure. Used by QlikView and Qlik Sense, QVDs are not directly compatible with lightweight relational databases like SQL Server CE - unless handled by a dedicated ETL tool.
What Is SQL Server CE?
SQL Server Compact Edition (SQL Server CE) is a lightweight, embedded database engine developed by Microsoft. It is ideal for mobile apps, desktop tools, and small-scale applications that require a compact, file-based database without full server overhead.
Why Import QVD into SQL Server CE?
- Make QlikView data available in local or mobile environments
- Run SQL queries on QVD data in a lightweight, file-based format
- Combine QVD output with offline or embedded applications
How to Import QVD to SQL Server CE - Step-by-Step
1. Launch Advanced ETL Processor
Open the Enterprise Edition of Advanced ETL Processor. Go to Tools > Connections and make sure you’ve configured both QVD and SQL Server CE connections.
2. Create a New Transformation
Right-click on a transformation group and choose New. This opens the dataflow canvas for building your ETL process.
3. Update Reader Properties
- Drag the QVD Reader onto the canvas (if not already placed)
- Double-click to open the Properties dialog
- Select the appropriate QVD connection
- Select the QVD file you want to import
4. Update Writer Properties
- Drag the SQL Server CE Writer onto the canvas (if not already placed)
- Double-click to open the Properties dialog
- Select the correct SQL Server CE connection
- Select the destination database file and target table
5. Map and Transform Data
Connect fields between the QVD Reader and SQL Server CE Writer using the AutoMap function or manual links. Apply data transformations like trimming, formatting, or type conversion as needed.
6. Run the Import
Click Execute to load data into SQL Server CE. You can also save the transformation for automation or future use.
7. Automate and Monitor
- Use the built-in scheduler to automate the job
- Trigger execution based on file presence or custom events
- Enable logging, error alerts, and rollback options
Where this import fits
Import QVD to SQL Server CE is useful when QVD data needs to feed SQL Server CE, 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 SQL Server CE so reporting teams can query historical Qlik data outside the dashboard layer.
BI migration staging
Move QVD data into SQL Server CE staging tables before validation, reconciliation, and warehouse loading.
Scheduled analytics feed
Import recurring QVD files into SQL Server CE with logs and rejected-row handling instead of manual export steps.
Video Tutorial
FAQ
Can Advanced ETL Processor import QVD to SQL Server CE?
Yes. Advanced ETL Processor can read QVD, 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 QVD import run on a schedule?
Yes. The package can run on a schedule, process matching QVD 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.
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