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Can I export the responses along with the uploaded files?

  • samarta
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1 year 6 months ago #242583 by samarta
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Your LimeSurvey version: 2.73.0+171219
Own server or LimeSurvey hosting: Own server
Survey theme/template: flat and modern
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In surveys that have file upload questions is it possible to export the answers along with the files that were uploaded by the respondents?

Thanks
 

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  • holch
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1 year 6 months ago #242617 by holch
Off-topic:
I don't have an answer to your question, because I usually don't use file upload questions, but your installation is from 2017, from 19.12.2017 to be more specific.

This means that you are using a software that hasn't received an update, bug fix or security patch for 5,5 years now. I don't think this is a good idea, especially for software that is usually accessible via the web and is used to collect data from people.

Also, the 2.7x branch of Limesurvey is EOL for a couple of years now and was, in my opinion, not ready for production in any of its forms (to many bugs, not stable enough).

I highly recommend an update.

Good luck with your question though.

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1 year 6 months ago #242626 by samarta
Hi,

>I don't have an answer to your question, because I usually don't use file upload questions, but your installation >is from 2017, from 19.12.2017 to be more specific.

>This means that you are using a software that hasn't received an update, bug fix or security patch for 5,5 years >now. I don't think this is a good idea, especially for software that is usually accessible via the web and is used >to collect data from people.

Yes, I am aware of that.

Precisely why I am providing instructions to users who still have surveys in version 2.73 to migrate their surveys to version 5.6.15+230412 which I have installed on another machine since November 2020. I plan to shut down the machine that has version 2.73 in September 2023 , but I still have about 250 users on that machine.
I learned earlier that there is already version 6.0. Is it possible to upgrade version 5.x to version 6.x via ComfortUpdate or is it necessary to do a fresh installation on another machine ?

Thanks,

João

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1 year 6 months ago - 1 year 6 months ago #242627 by holch
Good that you are aware, that is already an improvement over a lot of others that still run "ancient" installations.

Yes, you can upgrade via Comfort-Update from LS5 to LS6. From what I understand, the themes will change again, so any custom theme or workaround in a survey might break (or not).

Currently I would still wait a couple of weeks to move a production environment from LS5 to LS6. At the beginning the chances of some "hickups" are always given.

Maybe arguing with GDPR (if you are Portuguese) or LGPD (if you are Brazilian) can speed up the willingness of your users to move to the newer installation. At the end of the day, I doubt that a judge would consider LS 2.7x as "state of the art software" in case of a data breach. 

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Last edit: 1 year 6 months ago by holch.

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1 year 6 months ago #242630 by samarta
Hi,

>Yes, you can upgrade via Comfort-Update from LS5 to LS6. From what I understand, the themes will change again, so any custom theme or workaround in a survey >might break (or not).
>Currently I would still wait a couple of weeks to move a production environment from LS5 to LS6. At the beginning the chances of some "hickups" are always given.

In the past it was possible to switch from version 4.x to version 5.x by using the ComfortUpdate


>Maybe arguing with GDPR (if you are Portuguese) or LGPD (if you are Brazilian) can speed up the willingness of your users to move to the newer installation. At the >end of the day, I doubt that a judge would consider LS 2.7x as "state of the art software" in case of a data breach. 

No more accounts have been created in version 2.73 since December 2020
In this aspect, we (University of Coimbra - Portugal) are taking the data protection issue very seriously.  We already have about 300 users in LS5 and we have made an application that uses the LIMESURVEY API so that our Data Protection Officer (DPO) can evaluate (given the Survey ID in LS5) if the implemented surveys respect the RPGD.

So, as the LS technical manager I was just wondering how best to inform users of version 2.73 to migrate to version 5.x., when it comes to surveys with file upload questions:

I know  one (I expect that is not the only way)  way: export responses and afterwards select all responses and download uploaded files.


Best regards,

João

 

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1 year 6 months ago #242631 by holch
Have you tried the LSA files?

From what I understand, the LSA files are archive files and export / import besides the survey structure also the responses. I am not sure about uploads though. Maybe have a little test?

In the past it was possible to switch from version 4.x to version 5.x by using the ComfortUpdate


And this is the same here, you can upgrade via comfort update. However, from LS5 to LS6 there is a change in the themes and thus custom themes and workarounds from LS5 might not work in LS6.

Between LS4 and LS5 this was no issue, because actually LS5 is just a renamed LS4 because of a technicality in the naming convention, afaik.

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1 year 6 months ago #242634 by samarta
Hi,

>Have you tried the LSA files?

>From what I understand, the LSA files are archive files and export / import besides the survey structure also the responses. I am not sure about uploads though. >Maybe have a little test?

Yes I have tested. The .lsa exports the survey structure and the responses but not the uploaded files . 

I have searched everywhere and in despair I have tried ChatGPT:

Here is the ChatGPT answer: (it sounds like a miracle but there is no step 6:Check the box labeled "Export uploaded files" to include the attached files in your export.)
I have not found the box labeled "Export uploaded files" in  version 2.73 and in version 5.x To export responses with attached files in Limesurvey, you can follow these steps:
  1. Log in to your Limesurvey account and go to the survey for which you want to export responses.
  2. Click on the "Responses" tab to view the responses for your survey.
  3. Select the responses you want to export by checking the boxes next to their IDs.
  4. Click on the "Export" button located at the top of the responses table.
  5. In the export options, select the format in which you want to export the responses. Limesurvey supports several formats, including CSV, Excel, and PDF.
  6. Check the box labeled "Export uploaded files" to include the attached files in your export.
  7. Click on the "Export" button to initiate the export process.
  8. Wait for the export to complete, and then download the exported file from the "Export results" section.
Note: If you have a large number of responses or attached files, the export process may take some time to complete. Additionally, be aware that exporting responses with attached files may result in large file sizes, so make sure you have enough storage space to accommodate the exported data.

-- João

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1 year 6 months ago #242635 by holch
Chatgpt is known for inventing stuff, if it doesn't have an answer. Wouldn't be the first time. So I wouldn't get my hopes up, if you couldn't find that feature. If I find the time tomorrow, I will have a look at ls3 and l5, don't have any LS 2.7x

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1 year 6 months ago #242640 by samarta
Hi,

I have tried to export in .lsa format in LS 5.x and in the export window there is a message:
"Response data (Attention: Doesn't include files uploaded in a file upload question. These have to be exported separately.)"

I suppose that I have to inform my LS 2.73 users that they must export the uploaded files separately.

Thank you for your time.

-- João

 

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1 year 6 months ago #242643 by DenisChenu

Please help us help you and fill where relevant:
Your LimeSurvey version: 2.73.0+171219
Own server or LimeSurvey hosting: Own server
Survey theme/template: flat and modern
==================
In surveys that have file upload questions is it possible to export the answers along with the files that were uploaded by the respondents?

Thanks

 
No, not in 2.72 or 6.1
Except if a plugin exist i don't know

How do you want to export CSV + files in a zip files?
All files + excel in a zip file ?
etc…
It can be done with plugin i think.


 

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1 year 6 months ago #242644 by DenisChenu

  1. Check the box labeled "Export uploaded files" to include the attached files in your export.
LOL, ChatGPT has no brains and is talking nonsense.

www.limesurvey.org/manual/Export_respons...rt_a_single_response

I don't see the manual pmart, but in browse response : you have the link to download files.

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1 year 5 months ago - 5 months 4 days ago #243347 by Jameswalter
Chat GPT Crap
Last edit: 5 months 4 days ago by DenisChenu. Reason: Remove all to put Chat GPT Crap

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