.xls [Spreadsheets] Converter

[Zren]

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.

[andrew.]

Sorry I don't know much about the Excel file format, but maybe there will be some kind of help 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.

[DtY]

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)

[rdrake]

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 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.