PRJ: Files Saved as .CSV Can't Be Opened in Microsoft Excel (170245)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Project 2000
  • Microsoft Project 98 for Windows
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q170245

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 97, if you open a comma-separated variable text (.csv) file that was created in Microsoft Project, you receive the following error:
The SYLK: File format is not valid

CAUSE

When you save the file as a .csv file in Microsoft Project, the text string, "ID", is appended to the beginning of the file. This causes Microsoft Excel to interpret the file as a SYLK file. Microsoft fails to convert the file and displays the error message when it cannot recognize other field identifiers in the .csv file.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods:
  • Save the Microsoft Project file in the Microsoft Excel Workbook (.xls) format.

    -or-
  • If you need to use a .csv format, open the .csv file and insert a space before the ID text string.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/13/2003
Keywords:kbbug kberrmsg kbinterop kbpending KB170245
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.