Re: Remove duplicate records

Why not just select out the distinct records to a new table. Then rename
the original (just in case you messed up when you made the new table and
you need to do it again). And then name the new table what it actually
should be named.


Thanks
Bryce Martin
Programmer/Analyst I
570-546-4777



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Remove duplicate records






I made a mistake today. Accidentally ran a posting program three
additional times. I normally try to automate things so dumb things like
thisdon't happen. But, this has not been a project developed in the
proper manner - meaning GET IT DONE!

The file is a join logical. Common ields are 1) hospital number, 2)
account, 3) date, 4) time , and 5) id of poster. The first four fields
are numeric and the last is alpha.

The two files are a main file with 30 characters of text and the second
file contains multiple records for additional text.

Something like 5000 records posted three extra times..

The problem will disappear in about 6 months, if nothing is done. Just
looks bad and a lot of people will see my blunder and have to deal with
it.

Can SQL be used to identify when there are multiple records for the same
hospital and account number that have identical date, time, and poster id?

Can SQL be used to remove three of the four multiples?

Can SQL be used to do the previous two operations, but for one specific
account - for testing?

Would it be easier if the original posting file was available? My
assumption is yes. and that file can be available.


This doesn't effect any totals. Just looks really bad.


Seems this would be pretty simple in RPG, especially with the original
file available. Just don't know if I can get the time to devote to tis.

Is this something a) best left alone, b) best fixed with SQL, or c) best
fixed with RPG?


Easiest approach would be to back out all the records and ten post once, I
am guessing.


Wish I hadn't made the mess, in any case.

John McKee