Data Loader Guide

Data Loader
When to Use Data Loader
Install Data Loader
Configure Data Loader
Using Data Loader
Data Types Supported by Data Loader
Export Data from Salesforce
Define Data Loader Field Mappings
Insert, Update, or Delete Data Using Data Loader
Perform Mass Updates
Perform Mass Deletes
Upload Attachments
Upload Files and Links with Data Loader
Review Data Loader Output Files
Data Import Dates
View the Data Loader Log File
Configure the Data Loader Log File
Run in Batch Mode (Windows Only)
Command-Line Quick Start (Windows Only)
Data Loader Third-Party Licenses
PDF

Note: This release is in preview. Features described here don’t become generally available until the latest general availability date that Salesforce announces for this release. Before then, and where features are noted as beta, pilot, or developer preview, we can’t guarantee general availability within any particular time frame or at all. Make your purchase decisions only on the basis of generally available products and features.

Perform Mass Deletes

Use Data Loader to delete a large number of records at one time. The total number of records you can delete depends on which API you've configured Data Loader to use.

User Permissions Needed
To mass delete records: Modify All Data
  1. As a backup measure, export the records you wish to delete, being sure to select all fields. Save an extra copy of the generated CSV file.
  2. Next, export the records you wish to delete, this time using only the record ID as the desired criterion.
  3. Launch the Data Loader and follow the delete or hard delete wizard. Map only the record ID column.
  4. After the operation, review your success and error log files.