Strange Problem Importing Excel Files

[Alan]

Someone I know has an Excel file containing a simple format (see
below) and has a problem importing it into Project:

ID Task Start Date Finish
Date Owner % Complete
61 Deliverable 1 01-May-2009 :: AM 01-May-2009 :: PM
Fred 100
62 Deliverable 4 06-May-2009 :: AM 06-May-2009 :: PM
Joe 0%
63 Milestone 2 04-May-2009 :: AM 04-May-2009 ::
PM 0
51 Task 1 27-Apr-2009 :: AM 27-Apr-2009 :: PM
Janet 100
52 Task 2 28-Apr-2009 :: AM 29-Apr-2009 :: PM
Angie 20
53 Task 3 28-Apr-2009 :: AM 28-Apr-2009 ::
PM 76

However, I can import that same file just fine with the exact same
import settings, performing the same steps he does. We have the same
version of Project.

Here's where the process on his PC and my PC diverges: At the step to
identify the data to import, I select the worksheet, which lists the
correct title ("Sheet1"). The fields listed in the first column are
shown correctly.

However, at that same step, his option for the worksheets shows the
name "S", and then it appears that the Excel row numbers are listed in
lieu of the correct field names from the first column of the
spreadsheet.

Anyone ever seen a problem like this?

Thanks, Alan

 

[JulieS]

Hello Alan,

A couple of things to check. If you are using Project 2003, ensure
you are both running Service Pack 3. Also, check Tools > Options,
Security tab and ensure that the option "Allow loading of legacy
file formats" is checked.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional
information about Microsoft Project

 

[Alan]

Julie,
Thanks for your response. It turns out he has SP3, but I
have SP2. On SP2, I do not have the option Allow loading of legacy
file formats". Was this new in SP3?

Thank you, Alan

 

[JulieS]

Hi Alan,

The option to allow or disallow was added in SP-3. A security
update in April 2008 (after SP-3) was released seems to have cause
some issue with importing Excel files. The difficulty I have seen
is when the security update is installed and not SP-3 causing
repeated crashes. If your co-worker enables legacy does all work?

Julie