Is the dataset a series of points in a spread sheet like EXCEL?
–Add column headings of 8 characters or less. –Save the data set in a tab delimited, text format. –Use ArcViews project tool bar, add table, delimited format. –Use the View tool bar, View/add event theme, choose x and y coordinate columns. –Use the View tool bar, Theme/convert to shape file, add theme to view. –Delete from the View the theme created with add event theme.