Use Microsoft Query to retrieve data from an external data source

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You can use Microsoft Query to create a query and retrieve the data you want from an external data source. For example, you can retrieve Microsoft Excel data about a specific product by region. You can create a simple query by using the Query Wizard, or you can create a more complex query by using the advanced features of Microsoft Query.

To use Microsoft Query to retrieve external data, you must:

• Have access to an external data source. If the data is not on your local computer, you may need to see the administrator of the external database for a password, user permission, or other information about how to connect to the database.

• Install Microsoft Query. If Microsoft Query is not available, you might need to install it.

• Specify a source to retrieve data from, and then start using Microsoft Query.

  For example, if you want to insert database information, display the Database toolbar, click Insert Database , and then click Get Data. On the Tools menu in the Select Data Source dialog box, click MS Query.

  When Microsoft Query starts, the Microsoft Office Assistant provides help in constructing your query.

  If you don't see the Office Assistant in Microsoft Query, close the Choose Data Source dialog box, and then click Microsoft Query Help on the Help menu.

Note   Keep in mind that there are other ways to create a query and retrieve external data. For example, when you insert database information or perform a mail merge, you can use an existing Microsoft Access query or use Microsoft Word to create a simple query.