copy data from 2 tables

I need to copy the data in the last name table to the field2 table do i use the update query in sql 2005?I don't really know enough about your problem to answer your question. Depending on the table structure and the tools you are using the answer is probably either yes or no.

I'm going to move your question to the SQL Server forum, since that is the database engine that you're using. See the FAQ at the top of the forum postings for the entry on how to ask questions to get quick and correct answers, it should help a lot.

I'll be happy to help, once I know what your tables look like, and what client tool(s) you are using (Query Analyzer, Microsoft Access, etc).

-PatP|||I have two databases database1 and database2 i need to copy all the data in database1 field lastname to database2 field field2 but only if database1.cust_no matches database2.sourceid|||CREATE TABLE database1 (
cust_no VARCHAR(9)
, lastname VARCHAR(25)
)

CREATE TABLE database2 (
cust_no VARCHAR(9)
, field2 VARCHAR(100)
)

INSERT INTO database1 (cust_no, lastname)
SELECT 'doe', 'Doe' UNION
SELECT 'jones', 'Jones' UNION
SELECT 'freshfitz', 'Freshfitz' UNION
SELECT 'pope', 'Pope' UNION
SELECT 'smith', 'Smith'

INSERT INTO database2 (cust_no, field2)
SELECT 'doe', NULL UNION
SELECT 'jones', 'Jones' UNION
SELECT 'freshfitz', 'was here' UNION
SELECT 'popper', NULL UNION
SELECT 'smith', 'Smith'

UPDATE z
SET field2 = lastname
FROM database2 AS z
JOIN database1 AS x
ON (x.cust_no = z.cust_no)

SELECT *
FROM database2

DROP TABLE database1
DROP TABLE database2-PatP|||Thats awesome but the problem is database1 and database 2 already exist and the fields already exist i just need to copy all the records in the field of database 1 field last name to database2 field field2(which has no data). The records in database1 have a unique id Cust_no that match the same unique id in database2 sourceid.

So if cust_no = sourceid copy the last name field

select * from database1 field lastname
copy to database2 field field2
where database1.cust_no = database2_sourceid|||So just start with the UPDATE, and you'll be fine.

-PatP