The specified file is not a valid spreadsheet or contains no data to import - SharePoint 2010

Desktop attributes:

OS: Windows 7 64-bit

SP version: SharePoint server 2010

IE version: IE 8.0, 64-bit

Office version: Office 2010, 32-bit.

Amazing string of problems let me explain one by one!

Problem description#1:-

I need to import the spreadsheet on my SharePoint site so I opened my SP site - site actions – more options – clicked on ‘Import spreadsheet’ option. As soon as I clicked on it, it throws the following exception.

Error message: -

This feature requires Microsoft internet explorer version 5.0 or later, and windows 95 or later.

The above error message is somewhat misleading with respect to the above mentioned desktop attributes. If I am already using IE8 then how this error message is showing ‘use IE 5 or later’ also OS is also windows 7 which is far more advanced than windows 95—strange huh…

But then I realized that as per MS recommendations, most of the features are not compatible with 64-bit IE so the IE version is the main culprit.

In this situation, obviously anybody will think / take the decision of IE uninstallation but let me tell you guys- you don’t have to take such drastic step.

What you have to do-

1)   Start

2)   All programs

3)   In that list, you will see two internet explorers, one will show you 64-bit and other one without any version

4)   The one which is showing without any version, that will be your 32-bit IE

5)   You have to open your SharePoint site in that version i.e. 32-bit IE

6)   Please refer the following screenshot for more details.

7)   As soon as you will open your SP site in this version, then the issue will be resolved.

Ok, so far so good! - Lets switch to next problem now-

I clicked on Import spreadsheet, given the list name and selected the file that I wanted to import and clicked on import.

As soon as I hit import then got the following error message:

The specified file is not a valid spreadsheet or contains no data to import

Resolution:-

1)   Close all the internet explorers

2)   Open a new IE

3)   Tools

4)   Internet options

5)   Security

6)   From the several zones, select Trusted sites

7)   Sites button will be highlighted- click on it- add your SP site URL

8)   Click on close button and then Click OK

Note:-

1)   Make sure the protected mode should be disabled and

2)   Reduce the security (range is between- High, Medium and Low), it should not be high.

That’s it; try to import the spreadsheet now and it will work like a charm.

Happy SharePoint to all of you

If you have any queries/questions regarding the above mentioned information then please let me know. I would be more than happy to help you as well as resolves your issues, Thank you.