How to use a macro recorder to import XML files?
I had compiled a list of 6,600+ local area "fictitious names" (ie - small businesses) from the Florida (USA) state fictitious names database, stripping out all businesses whose owners were all located within the county. Did this a few months back.
Wanted to put it into YACS. I thought, "Great - the import feature!". Couldn't get CSV to cooperate (I just don't understand how it works yet). But this XML page seemed to be the answer.
So, I converted each entry into an appropriate XML file. The whole article on one Excel line, including a search button and everything.
Then I couldn't bulk upload.
I started importing each one at a time. It was getting tedious. Couldn't automate it using iMacros or other internet macro programs because of the file upload box.
So, I put it aside.
Then, just two days ago, it came to me: Use a generic Windows Macro Recorder!
And it works great.
I am using: Mouse and Key Recorder http://www.kratronic.com/recorder/
Now first: Each of the files have a name: bizxml1000 bizxml1001 bizxml1002 etc.
No filename extension.
First I recorded myself importing one file.
Then I went back and played around with the macro. What I ended up with (I will post it later), does the following:
1) Clicks on the text area (I have to pre-type a fake entry to start with, with appropriate directory), so for example:
F:\YACS\XML\BIZXML1000
in the filebox.)
2) backspaces four times. so you end up with:
f:\yacs\xml\bizxml
3) autoincrements the number (so, in this case, 1000) and types it in.
3) Clicks submit.
4) Waits 5 seconds (or ten or 15, depending how slow the internet is at that time).
5) hits backspace, autoincrements the number and inputs the new name.
This isn't perfect - depending on network traffic ,I may get 40 or 100 or 200 entries in before it "craps out" (stops working).
Then I have to find my lost place and continue.
But as we speak, it's importing each xml file, one at a time, into the system.
It's driving Google Analytics nuts because its showing thousands of hits over the past two days. and I think its improving my Alexa rating.
Every once in a while also, I PING the cloud so that technocrati and others know about the new entries.
It's odd, but its working quite well.
Hopefully I can rewrite this into a better set of instructions so that it's a simple case of "copy/paste/edit for your needs".
But I wanted to mention it while I am thinking about it in the hopes that it helps somebody else with a similar need (to import thousands of articles in a reasonable time).
I'm sure there is a better way. If I was better with PHP or with customizing yacs or directly importing into the sql database it would be done already. But since I am an Excel man, and love macros, this is my workaround.
Ken Udut http://free.naplesplus.us whose imported business entries are located at: http://free.naplesplus.us/sections/view.php/51
If you want to see the sample xml files or the excel I used, lemme know and I'll try to help you do it yourself.
Wanted to put it into YACS. I thought, "Great - the import feature!". Couldn't get CSV to cooperate (I just don't understand how it works yet). But this XML page seemed to be the answer.
So, I converted each entry into an appropriate XML file. The whole article on one Excel line, including a search button and everything.
Then I couldn't bulk upload.
I started importing each one at a time. It was getting tedious. Couldn't automate it using iMacros or other internet macro programs because of the file upload box.
So, I put it aside.
Then, just two days ago, it came to me: Use a generic Windows Macro Recorder!
And it works great.
I am using: Mouse and Key Recorder http://www.kratronic.com/recorder/
Now first: Each of the files have a name: bizxml1000 bizxml1001 bizxml1002 etc.
No filename extension.
First I recorded myself importing one file.
Then I went back and played around with the macro. What I ended up with (I will post it later), does the following:
1) Clicks on the text area (I have to pre-type a fake entry to start with, with appropriate directory), so for example:
F:\YACS\XML\BIZXML1000
in the filebox.)
2) backspaces four times. so you end up with:
f:\yacs\xml\bizxml
3) autoincrements the number (so, in this case, 1000) and types it in.
3) Clicks submit.
4) Waits 5 seconds (or ten or 15, depending how slow the internet is at that time).
5) hits backspace, autoincrements the number and inputs the new name.
This isn't perfect - depending on network traffic ,I may get 40 or 100 or 200 entries in before it "craps out" (stops working).
Then I have to find my lost place and continue.
But as we speak, it's importing each xml file, one at a time, into the system.
It's driving Google Analytics nuts because its showing thousands of hits over the past two days. and I think its improving my Alexa rating.
Every once in a while also, I PING the cloud so that technocrati and others know about the new entries.
It's odd, but its working quite well.
Hopefully I can rewrite this into a better set of instructions so that it's a simple case of "copy/paste/edit for your needs".
But I wanted to mention it while I am thinking about it in the hopes that it helps somebody else with a similar need (to import thousands of articles in a reasonable time).
I'm sure there is a better way. If I was better with PHP or with customizing yacs or directly importing into the sql database it would be done already. But since I am an Excel man, and love macros, this is my workaround.
Ken Udut http://free.naplesplus.us whose imported business entries are located at: http://free.naplesplus.us/sections/view.php/51
If you want to see the sample xml files or the excel I used, lemme know and I'll try to help you do it yourself.