SPSS Syntax Not Running — Variable Names Changed with “@” After Export from KoBo

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1

Hi everyone,

I downloaded my dataset from KoBoToolbox and got two files:

  1. The SPSS syntax file (.sps)

  2. The Excel (.xlsx) dataset (which I imported into SPSS manually).

The problem is: in SPSS, most variable names now start with an “@” symbol.
Example:

  • In syntax file: _start-geopoint_latitude

  • In SPSS data: @_start-geopoint_latitude

Because of this, the syntax file doesn’t run — it says variables not found.

:small_blue_diamond: Tried:

  • Checked for import settings in SPSS

  • Tried renaming variables manually (too many)

:small_blue_diamond: Need help with:

  • Why SPSS adds “@” automatically

  • How to stop this from happening

  • Or, how to run the KoBo syntax properly with these variable names

Attaching screenshots for reference.

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2

Welcome to the community, @ashraf_sust! Could you provide me with the following through a private message? Maybe I could have a closer look at your case?

  • Username
  • Project name
  • Server

You should be able to send me a private message as outlined in the post discussed previously: