SQL question: inserting rows from a parallel databse

First off, I apologize, since this isn't an i specific issue. I do
not know where to turn. This a mess tht SQL >might< be able to
address. I just have no idea how it might be stated.

The problem: Somebody, using an application function, deleted detail
rows from a production table named PREFERENCE_DETAIL. The header
table, PREFERENCE_HEADER has not been damaged. No idea when this
happened. Obviously a failure of design. But, it is a Windows
application and not an application that has the potential data
restriction available on the i.

I have no idea when this mess ws created, and limited database
backups. I can't just replace the entire table from a backup anyway,
s maintenance is done by a large number of people at sporadic
intervals. There is a mirrored copy, years out of date, that could be
used to at least fix one specific problem. At least, it would be a
strting point.

I was directed to a website that provided what is presented below.
Problems with this are: 1) It does an update where an insert is
needed. 2) There are 20 - 30 columns tht need to be inserted, and 3) I
only want to insert specific rows where a mtch exists between
PROVIDER_ID and PRCEDURE_ID match between the two datbses.

The vendor is not going to be any help. Politics, arrogance, and
indifference has the application eight releases out of date. This is
worse than trying to get support for v4r5 from IBM. in my opinion.

Can the following be used in some modified form to fix, partially, this mess?

UPDATE A
SET ControllingSalesRep = RA.SalesRepCode
from DHE.dbo.tblAccounts A
INNER JOIN DHE_Import.dbo.tblSalesRepsAccountsLink RA
ON A.AccountCode = RA.AccountCode

Agin, it needs to be n INSERT as rows are gone, and the above would
make the mess far worse since it is apparently going to change a
column on every row that mtches.


Worst case, the people who use this system could print the formatted
data from the old mirror and manually re-enter things - and try to
figure out what, if anything, has changed. But, due to the sharp
knives, staff has been cut to the bone. This system is used to
increase efficiency in the surgery department. But, not in this case.

Again, I apologize for this non i issue. I just know that I have seen
many great responses for i related help. I understand if this is just
too far removed to be considered.


John McKee