Can't import Excel (xls) into Power BI

Question

I tried to import an Excel file (Microsoft Excel 97-2003 Worksheet (*.xls)) into Power BI and I got this weird error. 

Details: "Excel Workbook: The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine. The 64-bit version of the Access Database Engine 2010 Access Database Engine OLEDB provider is required to connect to read this type of file. To download the client software, visit the following site: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=285987."

 

Answer 1

• We should not let the "64-bit" part throw us off. Power BI has trouble working with xls files. We need to save the workbook as an xlsx file and try again.

• Power BI can also work with XLS files. a different mechanism is used by power BI to read them than XLSX files, however, so you need to download and install the ACE provider from the link it gives you

Also, enroll in Power BI course to become proficient in this BI tool and clear Power BI certification exam.