getting an Unexpected error from external database driver (1) when importing data from excel to access

Question

I have a 2010 Excel file with a sheet that spans 34864 rows and 1387 columns. I'm trying to import it into Access 2010 with the import wizard, but when I select that sheet, Access goes unresponsive, and after several seconds gives me a

"Unexpected error from external database driver (1)"

Is this due to the size of the sheet or is there something in the cells that stops it from working. Other sheets from the same file import with no problem.

Answer 1

I just experienced this problem too and found a very simple, easy solution. I noticed that my spreadsheet had a custom name so I decided to see if that was causing the problem. I changed it to the default name of "Sheet1" and, sure enough, it worked!!

Answer 2

There seems to be a bug between Excel and Access. In some instances, I have to open the Excel file, click save, and then close the file. Then I can import it without error into Access.

I have yet to find a work around for this for VBA automation.

Answer 3

A solution that has worked for me when tackling this issue is to have the Excel File where the Import / Export is being executed open when the Import & Export is happening.

The issue appears to be caused by the Patch preventing data transaction from occurring between CLOSED .xls files and other external database applications. Having the excel file open addresses this issue.

Some sample code examples below to highlight what works and what doesn't with VBA:

FAILS

wbTarget.SaveAs strFilename, xlExcel8
wbTarget.Close    
ExportSheetToDB strFilename, strSheetName, "tblTemp"

WORKS

wbTarget.SaveAs strFilename, xlExcel8
ExportSheetToDB strFilename, strSheetName, "tblTemp"
wbTarget.Close

Answer 4

You may experience this error after installing security patch KB4041681. See this MSDN entry. In my case, replacing Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0 provider with Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 helped.

Answer 5

Check out this for Access 2010 specification: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access-help/access-2010-specifications-HA010341462.aspx.

In your case, it might be number of columns, so try to import less than 255 first. Also, it might be the size of the data in the columns or data types (importing text into numeric etc.)

Answer 6

Download and install the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2010 Redistributable, and then modify the DB connection strings in Microsoft Excel to use ACE as a provider.

Change (example):

Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0

to:

Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0.

Microsoft is working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release.

Answer 7

Use this

OleDbConnection conObj = new OleDbConnection("Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=C:\\a.XLS;Extended Properties=Excel 8.0;")

instead of this

OleDbConnection conObj = new OleDbConnection("Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;Data Source=C:\\a.XLS;Extended Properties=Excel 8.0;")

Answer 8

Save your Excel sheet to a 'Comma delimited' .CSV file, and then upload it as Text File. For me, this works fine.

The problem is that in .xls(x) all kind of lay-out issues are present. Converting it into .CSV removes all lay-out related mark up and converts in into 'raw' data.

all the best!