Access 2003 - getting Unexpected error from external database driver (1)

Question

I have a database that has been in use for several years -- no recent changes to the database -- and it worked just fine multiple times yesterday.  We do allow automatic updates of Windows 7 on the computers and I know that updates were installed yesterday.  Multiple computers affected.

When the following VBA code runs, I get an error: 

     DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet acImport, 8, "DataToLoad", "\SSMOLINE-SERVER\Access Database\Truck Schedule\TriggerKanBansMaster.xls", True, "DataToLoad"

  Error is "Runtime error '3275':  Unexpected error from external database driver (1)".

I have tried opening and re-saving the spreadsheet file, saved spreadsheet with a different name (and changed VBA appropriately), and re-creating the spreadsheet file from scratch.  I'm not seeing failures within Excel.  Other databases picking up data on the same server using the same TransferSpreadsheet command work correctly.

If I use the menu system in Access on a brand new database to import a brand new workbook, I get the error "The wizard is unable to access information in the file 'C:\users\m.keener\Documents\testing.xls'. Please check that the file exists and is in the correct format."  The file does exist, is able to be opened by Excel, and I'm pointing to the file rather than typing in the name so it's not a typo issue.

Any ideas??

Thanks!

Answer 1

Just in case anyone else runs into this error (ie. in case anyone else is using this archaic version of Access), I uninstalled Windows update KB4041681 (Security Update for Microsoft Windows), re-started the computer and it magically works.  Repeated this on 2 other computers so far with success on each.

Not even going to take a guess at the magic question: WHY??????

If anyone has thoughts on that, I sure would welcome them!

Thanks,

Michelle

Answer 2

Hi,

ODBC Excel Driver Stopped Working with "Unexpected error from external database driver (1). (Microsoft JET Database Engine)"

https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/2feac7ff-3fbd-4d46-afdc-65341762f753/odbc-excel-driver-stopped-working-with-unexpected-error-from-external-database-driver-1?forum=sqldataaccess

Uninstall and Reboot

• Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP
  • KB4041681-- 2017-10 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 7 for x86-based Systems
  • KB4041678 -- 2017-10 Security Only Quality Update for Windows Embedded Standard 7 for x64-based Systems

Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2

- [KB4041693](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=4041693) -- 2017-10 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 8.1 for x86-based Systems
- [KB4041687](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4041687) -- 2017-10 Security Only Quality Update for Windows 8.1 for x86-based Systems

Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 (version 1607)

- [KB4041691](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4041691)-- 2017-10  Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 and Windows Server 2016

Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 (version 1703)

- [KB4041676](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=kb4041676) -- 2017-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1703

---

• Stop automatic Driver updates in Windows 10/8/7

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/stop-windows-7-from-installing-drivers-automatically

Answer 3

This solution worked, I just came across this post. Greatly appreciate you taking the time to post the solution.

Answer 4

This worked for me too, then it didn't.  I rebooted and everything worked fine.  I even turned off automatic updates.  No w all of the sudden, I'm getting the same error but that update is not showing on my pc.

Help

Answer 5

**** I have been fighting this since 9am.... I just saw your post! Trying now!

EDIT: This worked! Thanks so much for posting your solution! I am glad I am not the only one who has had this issue!