The easiest way to do this is via Apply Dictionary (syntax) or Data/Copy Data Properties.

Keep a sav file around (it need not have any cases, just variable and file metadata). When you read the new data from your database, use Apply Dictionary to copy all the properties from that sav file to the new working data. If the variable names match exactly, you don't need to spell things out. If the variable names are different, you can tell it how to map from the names in that sav file to the names in your working data file.

Regards, Jon Peck SPSS

-----Original Message----- From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of Eric Duguay Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 2:22 PM To: SPSSX-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU Subject: [SPSSX-L] Transfer of metadata

Hi everyone!

I'm using SPSS 13 for the validation and the exploitation of public health databases. When not in use, the data are stored in ACCESS until imported (we may migrate them to SQL Server or to MySQL). I'm looking for a simple way to be able to keep the metadata generated in SPSS (Variable labels, Value labels, Missing values, etc.) when the data move to and from the databases so the next SPSS user doesn't have to re-enter the metadata after importing.

We though about putting a macro .SPS at the disposition of the user on the intranet and I would like to know also if there is a way in SPSS to automatically generate that macro.

Thanks for reading me

Eric