file error in CSV (windows) translator

[Carol Jefferson]

I'm trying to import contacts into Outlook 2003 from at CSV Windows file but
get the following error message.

"A file error has occurred in the CSV (windows) translator while
initializing a translator to build a file map. outlook was unable to
retrieve the data from the file C:___________. Verify that you hav the
correct file, that you have permission to open it, and that it is not open in
another program."

The file is definately NOT opened in another application. I'm have no ideas
on why this has occurred. Any feedback would be most appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

[Karl Timmermans]

Going on the premise that you have also checked to ensure that the CSV file
is not "read only"........

#1 - How was this CSV file created?
#2 - Does it open correctly in MS Excel or if you import it into an MS
Access database - are any errors reported?
#3 - Does it contain a header row (first row that has column names for the
subsequent data rows)

Typical cause of this error is data related or in other words - something in
the file causing Outlook to be unable to determine the field structure - all
kinds of different reasons. Problems like this seldom take more than a few
seconds to isolate but without access to the actual file - imposible to be
any more definitive.

Karl
___________________________________________________
Karl Timmermans - The Claxton Group
ContactGenie - Importer 1.3 / DataPorter 2.0 / Exporter
"Power contact importers/exporters for MS Outlook '2000/2007"
http://www.contactgenie.com

 

[Carol Jefferson]

Hi Karl,

It's NOT a read only file. I checked that first in Properties.
1. The file was an export from a software program that created this CSV
windows file.
2. It opens properly in Excel
3. Yes it has a header row

Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[Karl Timmermans]

Without reviewing the actual file - it would endless speculation as to
cause.

You may try downloading one of our import programs (ContactGenie Importer or
DataPorter just in eval mode - no purchase required) and import the CSV
file. if If there's an issue with the file - should be identified real quick
but if the cause is not identified and CG can't process the file - send a
sample to cgsupport @ contactgenie.com so tests can be run on it - would
certainly be something that would be of interest and you'll get a response
fairly quickly as to findings.

If CG doesn't have any issues with the CSV file - then the logical
conclusion is that there is something wrong with the Outlook import filters
in which case either run "Detect 'n Repair for Office 2003 or earlier or
Office Diagnostics for O'2007.

Karl
___________________________________________________
Karl Timmermans - The Claxton Group
ContactGenie - Importer 1.3 / DataPorter 2.0 / Exporter
"Power contact importers/exporters for MS Outlook '2000/2007"
http://www.contactgenie.com

 

[Karl Timmermans]

Just for others who may read this thread. File was reviewed and as
expected - the cause of the Outlook error message was the structure and
contents of the text file. It was not an issue with the Outlook import
wizard (other than the error message being less than informative).

The file could be opened in Excel and it did have a header row (kinda/sorta)
and everything that followed the header row could "at best" be described as
"a mess". Trying to troubleshoot this issue without actually seeing the file
contents would be virtually impossible. (issues were immediately evident
upon visual inspection for those familiar with what things <should look>
like).

Moral of this is that if someone encounters the same problem - "A file error
has occurred in the CSV (windows) translator while initializing a translator
to build a file map..........." - first thing to look at is the data file -
not all files are created equal. Based on past experience, for this error,
the chances of it being an Outlook related "problem" are slim to none.

Karl
___________________________________________________
Karl Timmermans - The Claxton Group
ContactGenie - Importer 1.3 / DataPorter 2.0 / Exporter
"Power contact importers/exporters for MS Outlook '2000/2007"
http://www.contactgenie.com

 

[laenglehardt]

I ran into this same issue but found that I can do it fine in Offic
2007 so investigated what could be different. Office 2007 asks whethe
or not you want to keep the Excel formatting and I chose not to. Offic
2003 does not give you that option. To work around it I saved th
spreadsheet as DOS csv and that strips out the Excel formatting an
Outlook is then able to import without issue.