Import files need to be encoded in UTF-8 to be able to import special characters (e.g. à, á, â, ã, ä) otherwise these characters are replaced by symbols such as ¤ or � which are visible on the Equus Platform screen and in the Flat File accessed from the Import Screen.
Follow the steps to preserve special characters in the csv import file.
1. Open the excel spreadsheet with special characters and save the import file as a .csv (CSV UTF-8). Close the file.
2. Open the file in Notepad++ (a text editor and source code editor for use with Microsoft Windows).
Check that the special characters are displayed in Notepad++ before selecting Convert to UTF-8 from the Encoding menu drop down. Save the file with a different name.
3. Import the file that was saved in step 2.
4. Check that the import updated what you wanted to and only what you wanted by viewing the flat file output from the Import Details screen.
If the flat file output shows the special characters, no further action is required.
