How to scan more than 20 records to determine variable attributes in EFI


In Versions 7 and 8 of the SAS® System, by default, the Import Wizard, PROC IMPORT and the External File Interface (EFI) scan 20 records to determine variable attributes when reading delimited text files.

Changing the default setting can only be done for EFI in Version 7, Release 8 and Release 8.1. Beginning in Release 8.2, changing the default setting is applicable to the Import Wizard, PROC IMPORT and EFI.

Follow the steps below to change the default behavior:

  1. Type regedit on the command line (white box with a check mark).
  2. When the Registry Editor window opens, double-click the PRODUCTS icon.
  3. Double-click the BASE icon.
  4. Double-click the EFI icon.
  5. In the window on the right, the Contents of EFI will be populated with EFI options.
  6. Double-click GuessingRows.
  7. When the new window opens with the old value of 20, delete it, enter the new value, and click OK.
  8. Close the Registry Editor window
  9. Invoke the Import Wizard, PROC IMPORT or EFI to use the new GuessingRows value.

The new value entered for GuessingRows will remain until you change it.

Beginning in SAS® 9.1, there is a new statement, GUESSINGROWS=, that can be specified with PROC IMPORT.

By specifying the GUESSINGROWS= statement with PROC IMPORT, you do not have to change the GuessingRows value in the SAS Registry.

Also beginning in SAS 9.1, you can specify the Number of Rows to Guess when using the Import Wizard in the SAS Import: Delimited File Options window or when using EFI in the Options for Import Window.