Weird Excel import problem (A2003)

[gxdata]

I was sent a small XLS file (28K), comprising 19 columns,78 rows. The
problem reported was that the last field (column) would not import - it is a
general (number, 2 digits only).
So I tried the same simple task: create a new blank MDB, import the XLS
using the Access Import Wizard.
First attempt at importing actually displayed the last column, but the
import failed (nothing imported to the table).
On quitting Access, and re-starting the process, the last field would not
display during the Wizard import process!! And, whether or not I let Access
choose a primary index, etc - the last field didn't appear.
Column / cell types in the XLS are date, time - but mainly Excel "general"
and most of those are consistent numbers.

The solution was to export the spreadsheet as CSV and use the Access 2003
Wizard to import that. No problems at all - the last column appears, all
data imports as it should. But that's a work-around I shouldn't have to do.

Any ideas?

 

[Jeanette Cunningham]

Hi,
Importing from excel is always tricky.
Even if you get the data types to match what you need in access, some
formatting on the excel spreadsheet can trick access into thinking there is
weird data.
Saving the xls file as a csv file removes the excel formatting.
With the formatting removed, access was not confused and could import the
data.
One way or another, you need to make sure that the excel worksheet is free
of formatting that could interfere with the import process.

Note: these import processes do rely on everything being set up correctly if
you want them to work without any hitches.


Jeanette Cunningham