DBMS/Copy can be used for converting data from one statistics package format to another. Converting SAS data files into Stata can be problematic, so check out SAS data conversion issues.
1. start DBMS/Copy
2. select "Interactive"
3. select the file type to convert from
NOTE: Sometimes you may receive a message that you have "user defined formats." This means that some variables, usually numeric ones, have been assigned character labels (value labels in Stata and SPSS, formats in SAS) to either group observations and/or to make the output easier to read. DBMS/Copy can create new variables whose values will be the formatted values of the original variables. When converting between Stata and SPSS, it is not necessary, DBMS/Copy is very good at converting the value labels. Converting to or from SAS, however, is not always as smooth. Try the conversion without creating the new variables first, if you do not like the results, you can always do the conversion again and create the new variables.
4. select "OK"
Note: The Power Panel gives you the ability to select rows (Record Filter and Equations), view the data, view the variable information, sort the data and view the values of a variable. Since most of this is easier in programs such as Stata or SPSS, we recommend skipping this step and just clicking OK. If you are converting a very large file (50 meg or more) into Stata, then you may want to use the "Shrink Sizes" button under "Variable Information"
5. select the directory in which you want the file to be created
Note: be sure you have write access to the directory and enough space to hold the file!
6. Select the type of file to which you want your data converted.
Note: Be sure to select one that matches the version of software you will be using. For example, if you have SAS version 6.12 for windows, be sure to select this and not SAS version 8 or you will not be able to use the file. Click OK when you are done.
7. Click on "Do It!"
Note: You should not need to make any changes to the batch program shown. You can also save the batch program for future use if you plan to repeat the procedure.
