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  1. #1
    skydivetom is offline VIP
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    Excel into Access Import -- Error "Record is too large"


    Experts:

    Over the course of many years, I have frequently imported Excel files in to Access. Today, I'm seeing an error (see attached "Record is too large.jpg") which I previously never experienced before.

    Background on the Spreadsheet (original file):
    - XLS includes columns A:FI (or 165 columns)
    - XLS includes 883 rows including header row

    a. From my perspective, the 883 # of records should definitely NOT cause the issue. Also, I believe Access can accommodate around 250 fields per table. So, the number of columns should also be no violation.
    b. I then added a =LEN(cell) for every row across every column.
    c. Next I applied the =Max(cell range) over the =LEN(cell range). This returned that MAX character LEN for at least one (1) cell = 640.
    d. Based on c., I believe that Access does accommodate records (LONG TEXT) with up to 640 records.

    All that said, based on my initial analysis, it appears there's nothing out of the ordinary in the XLS which would prevent it from loading into a table.

    As part of further testing, I did the following:
    - Copied the XLS and deleted all rows but 2 (3 rows with header)
    - I then applied the same LEN & MAX mechanism to have a better understanding about those 2 records.
    - Also, for testing purposes only, I deleted 3 column which appeared to be large comments.
    - Next, the MAX character LEN for A2:FF5 returned 160 characters (see attached "LEN MAX.jpg").

    Finally, with the only 2 rows and columns A:FF, I attempted the re-importing into Access. Yet again though, Access' import routine failed and indicated "Record is too large".

    My question: What other criteria/elements would cause the "Records is too large" error?
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Record is too large.JPG   LEN MAX.JPG  

  2. #2
    CJ_London is online now VIP
    Windows 10 Access 2010 32bit
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    suggest google/bing 'access import record too large error' for many links on the subject

  3. #3
    Minty is offline VIP
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    I believe Access only examines the first 8 or so lines of an spreadsheet file to determine the data type.
    So if it only see < 255 characters in those sample lines it will set the field datatype to Short Text.

    What happens if you link to the file instead?
    DLookup Syntax and others http://access.mvps.org/access/general/gen0018.htm
    Please use the star below the post to say thanks if we have helped !
    ↓↓ It's down here ↓↓

  4. #4
    orange's Avatar
    orange is offline Moderator
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  5. #5
    skydivetom is offline VIP
    Windows 8 Access 2010 64bit
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    Copy... good article reference... will complete more research on one of the import files. Thank you!

Please reply to this thread with any new information or opinions.

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