Error while adding data

Question

I am working with ArcGIS Version 10.8.2. I get the following error message when adding excel spreadsheets to ArcMap:

Failed to connect to database. An underlying database error occurred. Class not registered.

I'd be grateful for any advice on how to resolve this issue.

MoritzSchilling · Answer

@RhettZufelt @SubhashniTaylor

Any solutions to this problem? Same here... cannot add excel spreadsheets.

Microsoft Access database engine 2016 is installed.

EDIT: Seems like, you cannot open/view any spreadsheets in ArcCatalog before adding them to ArcMap. You need to use the catalog pane to add the tables to prevent any (misleading) error messages.

SubhashniTaylor · Answer

Thank you for this suggestion. I have tried this but am still getting the same error message.

rzufelt · Answer

Have you installed the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 Redistributable driver as per this support page (right below the add data picture)?

R_