Error Message when importing CSV into MS Lists

Question

I am attempting to import a small edited CSV into list and keep getting this error message. The name is not used anywhere else. The actual name does not matter. I can change the name and get the same error message. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Check for Existing or Hidden Lists

• How do I do this?

Clear Cached Name

• Huh?

Verify Permissions

Ensure you have Contribute or Full Control permissions on the site.

If you’re in a restricted environment, ask your admin to confirm list creation rights.

• This is the ONLINE VERSION through my own Office 365 account. None of the above makes any sense.

Use Import from Excel Instead

• How do I do this? I can only find "Import CSV"...

Check File Format

Ensure your CSV is clean:

No special characters in column headers.

First row contains column names only.

Save as UTF-8 if possible.

• Did all of this. Didn't work.

If you don't have a clear concise solution, don't post gobblity gook BS trying to look all smart. I get from the first half of this response the impression you've don't know which app I am refering to. The I've imported several CSV's into Lists previously and have never had this issue.

TIA....

Answer 2

Hi,

This usually means:

You don’t have permission to create lists in the current site or location.

There’s a policy or restriction applied by your organization.

The import process is trying to write to a location where your account lacks rights.

 

Here’s a structured approach:

Check for Existing or Hidden Lists

Clear Cached Name

Verify Permissions

Ensure you have Contribute or Full Control permissions on the site.

If you’re in a restricted environment, ask your admin to confirm list creation rights.

Use Import from Excel Instead

Check File Format

Ensure your CSV is clean:

No special characters in column headers.

First row contains column names only.

Save as UTF-8 if possible.

 

If Nothing Works Contact your SharePoint or Microsoft 365 admin to:  Remove any orphaned list objects.Confirm your permissions. As a workaround, create the list manually and copy data using Quick Edit. Let me know how it goes, Happy to help!