.xls inputs

I have been searching solution for this for few years now.

I'm currently using Python script within alteryx to work around this but clunky at times.

I hope alteryx does something to support this file type. Reality is that legacy platforms still output ".xls" files and that will not go away soon.

If systems are updated and output .xlsx we wouldn't need to do any transformation in Alteryx right?

Can you share your workaround on this .xls limitation?

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Accepted answers

flying008

Hi, @gabluis

1- If you need to frequently batch import multiple .xls files on v2024.1+, it is recommended that you use a third-party library or plug-in to solve this problem unless Alteryx makes adjustments in subsequent versions.
2- For example, use python.
3- You can also use the 'Before Run' option of Event, and use the Command script inside to call the external exe program like EXCELCNV.exe to batch convert xls files to xlsx files and then execute the subsequent processing of the workflow.

All comments

flying008

Hi, @gabluis

1- What version are you using ?

2- What are you need ? only for support input *.xls file by new version?

gabluis

Hi @flying008

1.) latest one Version: 2024.2.1.14

2.) just the input tool to take in .xls file without coming across the error some users have also raised as an example: Cannot Read in XLS Files - Alteryx Community

KGT

I don't think that you will get improvements on this. In fact, the trend is going the other way. Software vendors have clung on for a while as .xls is still used but it's too much trouble now and so they are all removing them. (MS stopped using it by 2007).

We deal with a bunch of client files that can be delivered in xls from legacy systems as well. We are part way through building an XLS Input tool custom for our company. Hopefully I'll be able to generalise it as well and publish it to gallery for all if there's not one by then.

Alteryx is dropping support for .xls from 2024.2 and over the next couple of years. I expect that means the filetype will still be there, but they are taking it out of testing for new features. Over time it will get to a stage where the filetype is dropped entirely.

This is the post regarding the JET Driver breaking:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Engine-Works/Access-Driver-Install-for-xls-File-Acess/ba-p/90145

Microsoft support for the access driver ended in 2018 and extended support ended in April 2023. Hence no longer able to even download it from Microsoft.

flying008

Hi, @gabluis

apathetichell

I hope alteryx does something to support this file type. Reality is that legacy platforms still output ".xls" files and that will not go away soon.

this won't happen. This isn't just Alteryx - this is Microsoft. I also see a lot of platforms create .xml files and label them as .xls -> for 'reasons.' - i'd recommend opening the .xls files you are trying to ingest in notepad too just to confirm they are .xls files -> not labeled as .xls but not really .xls files.

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