could not add the specified data object to the map

ShahinShafiq

I'm trying to add an excel file to my data layer (using arc catalog and directly from add Data from file) and having the following error message:

"Could not add the specified data object to the map. An underlying database error occurred. Class not registered."

DanPatterson_Retired

These links can't be ignored when working with excel since they explain the limitations of using spreadsheets

Understanding how to use Microsoft Excel files in ArcGIS—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Formatting a table in Microsoft Excel for use in ArcGIS—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

Adding a Microsoft Excel table to ArcMap—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop

So see if anything there applies first