How to Import Data Using Forms-based Authentication (FBA) with List Bulk Import 2.5

How to Import Data Using Forms-based Authentication (FBA) with List Bulk Import 2.5

by | Jun 28, 2012 | The Bamboo Team Blog

Update: List Bulk Import is now available from the Bamboo Solutions storefront.

List Bulk Import allows users to easily migrate documents, pictures, and list data into SharePoint from: legacy databases; spreadsheets; SharePoint to SharePoint Server; Office 365; Claims-based and Forms-based Authentication environments; and/or any SharePoint document management application with large volumes of data and/or documents that need to be widely accessed. List Bulk Import allows you to retain valuable index information when importing to SharePoint, while eliminating the need for data re-entry. The import program has the option of running in the background, allowing users to continue to work while the application uploads documents and other data to SharePoint.

In this post, I will demonstrate how you can import to a site with Forms-based Authentication (FBA).

Challenge:

To provide a better user experience when authenticating in SharePoint, many corporations rely on an authentication method called Forms-based Authentication (FBA). FBA is a method where instead of the traditional pop-up authentication dialog, users are presented with a Web page with the login controls built in.  This allows organizations to easily integrate other components, such as contact information, access agreements, and change password controls that traditional pop-ups do not provide. FBA also provides a challenge as the actual authentication method is different from Windows authentication.

Increasingly, end users are seeking the ability to import into FBA-authenticated SharePoint sites.

Solution:

In Release 2.5 of List Bulk Import, Bamboo Solutions now supports Forms-based Authentication (FBA) for both SharePoint 2007 and SharePoint 2010 (through Claims-based Authentication (CBA)). The following steps describe how to import from an existing Windows authenticated SharePoint 2010 SharePoint site to a SharePoint site running FBA.

NOTE: Bamboo Solutions currently certifies the following Authentication Providers for FBA:

  • SQL Server Membership Provider
  • Active Directory Membership Provider

Upon opening List Bulk Import, you will be asked to initially configure the target SharePoint Site.  This is where you will enter the URL to the SharePoint site to which you want to import. TIP: List Bulk Import is expecting the Site URL.  An example would be if you were to access your SharePoint site, the browser might display https://servername/site/default.aspx.  You will want to enter https://servername/site in the target site URL field:

Select Create Import Job to start a new import configuration from the main landing page. Alternatively, you can go to the Import Tools menu and locate the same option there:

In the first step, select Existing SharePoint List. Notice that a secondary set of options will appear. This is where you will define the location of your existing SharePoint List. The list can be located in:

  • SharePoint 2007
    • WSS v3
    • MOSS 2007
  • SharePoint 2010
    • SharePoint Foundation 2010
    • SharePoint Server 2010
  • SharePoint Online

Click the Next button to continue:

For subsequent configuration steps, please refer to the posts, How to Import Data into SharePoint Online (Office 365) and How to Import an Excel File.

In the final step, after successfully configuring the import, you can choose to save the configuration settings into an import template for future imports, or simply run the one time import:

After the import has completed, select the View Log button to see results of the import:

Looking for a walk through from start to finish? See this post: How to Import an Excel File with List Bulk Import 2.5.

If you’re ready to give release 2.5 of List Bulk Import a try, it’s available in Bamboo Labs as a free download today! With this Beta version, there is a 15-item limit, and the trial is good for 30 days. If you like what you see, you can purchase a license key from the storefront to fully activate the product and circumvent the 15-item limit. Please note that this Labs version of the product is still in Beta and we ask for your patience if you experience any issues. To report any problems you may encounter, please go to the List Bulk Import 2.5 forum and post your feedback there.

Happy importing!

Read the entire series celebrating the release to Bamboo Labs of List Bulk Import 2.5:

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