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Zren

Fri Jun 05, 2009 10:12 pm


.xls [Spreadsheets] Converter

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I have a problem on my hands where I have to support backwards compatibility for a database. They used to use a simple spreadsheet. So I tried comma seperated values, however, there is a possibility that they will go over the 256 column limit [to Excel 2003 at least].

I've tried http://www.jklnsoft.com/convert-xls/, it only works for the first 256 columns.

So can anyone point me in the direction to either:
1) How a basic .xls is constructed to make the conversion myself.
2) Another Shareware(At least 1 use)/Freeware tool that does this.
3) Telling me a newer version of Excel supports past 256 columns with .CSVs. (wishful thinking);
4) Another simple format that would load everything in Excel.

I don't actually think I'll need this since if they change to this software my group is constructing, they hopefully won't have to go back.


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andrew.

Sat Jun 06, 2009 10:17 am


RE:.xls [Spreadsheets] Converter

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Sorry I don't know much about the Excel file format, but maybe there will be some kind of help [url=http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Source_code_directories]here. It's the source code for Open Office. Somewhere in there should be the code for importing Excel files because I know it has that functionality.


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DtY

Sat Jun 06, 2009 10:23 am


RE:.xls [Spreadsheets] Converter

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CSV doesn't have a column limit, if excel has a limit on importing CSV open it with OOo and convert it. (Unless there are a lot of them)


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rdrake

Sat Jun 06, 2009 10:48 am


RE:.xls [Spreadsheets] Converter

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Many people don't know this, but you can access Excel documents with Microsoft's Jet database driver just like any other table.

Look into [url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321686]How to import data from Excel to SQL Server.

No idea about restrictions, I just know you can do it that way.  The plus side is it also does not require Excel to be installed if you use the Jet driver method.