topic Unexpected error from the external database driver (1) in ArcGIS Mapping and Charting Questions

Unexpected error from the external database driver (1)

deleted-user--WGKEqvHwtik — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 20:06:11 GMT

I am trying to import an xls file for aerial imagery into my map. I'm working on ArcMap 10.5.1. I've never had a problem before but today have received the error message:

"Could not add the specified data object to the map.

General function failure

Unexpected error from thte external database drive (1)."

I downloaded the driver located here:Download 2007 Office System Driver: Data Connectivity Components from Official Microsoft Download Center

mentioned in other similar posts but that did not fix the problem.

Thoughts?

Re: Unexpected error from the external database driver (1)

NatalieMartinkus2 — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 19:49:47 GMT

I am having this problem too. Just a few weeks ago everything was working fine with opening excel (Microsoft 2016) files (as .xls) into ArcMap, and now I am getting the same error. I looked through my update history and saw that Microsoft performed a series of updates on 10/10/17, so Im guessing they are the reason things are just now going haywire. Any ideas?

Re: Unexpected error from the external database driver (1)

NatalieMartinkus2 — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 20:09:13 GMT

After playing around a little bit, I have discovered that ArcGIS will now only accept .xlsx files, not.xls. Hopefully that will be your fix too.

~ natalie

Re: Unexpected error from the external database driver (1)

DannySantos — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:41:00 GMT

Yup. Saving my .xls to xlsx did the trick. thanks!

Re: Unexpected error from the external database driver (1)

TinaMorgan1 — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:36:16 GMT

You guys got it.

Error: Failed to connect to database. General function failure Unexpected error from external database driver

Solution or Workaround

Open the .xls file in Microsoft Excel, save it as a .xlsx, and install the 2007 Office System driver (if it is not already installed).

Alternatively, open ArcToolbox and navigate to System Toolboxes > Conversion Tools > Excel > Excel To Table geoprocessing tool to import the .xls file as a table.

Re: Unexpected error from the external database driver (1)

TrentonBenedict — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 21:07:58 GMT

If you guys want a simpler solution that doesn't need you to download any extra drivers, you can save your .xls or .xlsx as a .csv file. ArcMAP should be able to use .csv files with no problem.