Overriding the Code Generated by the External File Wizards

Problem

You want to substitute your own SAS INFILE statement for the code that is generated by the Delimited External File wizard and the Fixed Width External File wizard. For details about the SAS INFILE statement, see SAS Language Reference: Dictionary.

Solution

Use the Override generated INFILE statement with the following statement check box in the Advanced File Parameters window of the external file wizard. To access this window, click Advanced on the Delimiters and Parameters page in the delimited external file wizard or on the Parameters page in the fixed-width external file wizard.
Note: If you override the generated code that is provided by the external file wizards and specify a nonstandard access method such as PIPE, FTP, or a URL, then the Preview button on the External File Location page, the File tab on the Columns Definition page, and the Auto Fill button on the Columns Definition page do not work.

Tasks

Replace a Generated SAS INFILE Statement

Perform the following steps to substitute your own SAS INFILE statement for the code that is generated by the Delimited External File wizard and the Fixed Width External File wizard.
  1. Right-click the destination folder for the external file metadata. Then, open the appropriate external file wizard and navigate to the Delimiters and Parameters page or the Parameters page (depending on the selected wizard).
  2. Click the Advanced button to display the Advanced File Parameters window.
  3. Select the Override generated INFILE statement with the following statement check box. Then, paste your SAS INFILE statement into the text area.
  4. Enter other metadata for the external file as prompted by the wizard.
For details about the effects of using overridden code with a nonstandard access method, see Accessing an External File with an FTP Server or an HTTP Server.