Description of how to transfer data from an existing database (eg from MS
Access)to Open Office Base, in such a way that the OO database can be used as a
stand-alone database, is woefully inadequate.

I've created a one-page document that summarizes succinctly the processes
needed, and which have worked for me. The document is really a summary of other
people's input in my words. PLEASE add it, or something similar, to the original
Base Help documentation. It takes far too long to search all the wikis and
forums without the right key search words. It is evident that numerous other
users have experienced the same difficulty.