"The "Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0" provider is not registered on the local machine" Error in importing process of xlsx to a sql server

📝👩‍💻 Blog Post: "The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' Provider Error: Easy Fixes for Importing xlsx to SQL Server"

👋 Hello there! Are you trying to import an xlsx file to your SQL Server and encountering the dreaded "The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine" error? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many users face this issue, but fret not, because we have some easy solutions for you. 😊

🔍 Let's quickly recap the context of this problem. A user with a 64-bit Windows 7 and SQL Server 2008 R2 shared their experience while following instructions from a blog post on how to import an Excel file into SQL Server. However, they encountered an error in Figure 3, which halted their progress:

The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine

🤔 So, what's causing this error? The issue lies in missing or incorrect installation of the ACE OLEDB provider. Here are some easy steps you can take to resolve this problem:

1. Install the 'AccessDatabaseEngine_x64' driver: As you correctly identified, the first step is to install the Microsoft Access Database Engine redistributable. However, even after installation, you might still face the same issue. Let's explore further.

2. Check for 32-bit vs. 64-bit mismatches: If you're running a 64-bit SQL Server, ensure that you have the 64-bit version of 'AccessDatabaseEngine'. If you mistakenly installed the 32-bit version, it won't work. Uninstall the incorrect version and install the correct one.

3. Enable 'AllowInProcess' registry setting: Sometimes, a missing registry setting causes the error. Here's how you can resolve it:

   • Press Win + R to open the "Run" dialog box.

   • Type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Access Connectivity Engine\Engines.

   • Right-click on the Engines key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

   • Name the new value as TypeGuessRows and set its value to 0.

   • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Try using different connection string options: If the above steps don't solve the issue, you can experiment with different connection string options. For example, you can try using the Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.16.0 provider instead of the 12.0 version.

🎉 Voila! If you follow these steps carefully, you should now be able to import your xlsx file into your SQL Server without encountering the error message anymore. Happy data importing! 📊

📣 We hope this guide has been helpful to you. If you still have any questions or face any other tech-related challenges, don't hesitate to reach out. We're always here to assist you on your technological journey. Keep exploring, keep learning! 💪💻

✨ Now it's your turn! Have you encountered this error before, or do you have any other suggestions to fix it? Share your experiences or additional tips in the comments section below. Let's help each other out! 🗣️💬

🔗 Read the original blog post that prompted this question: here

🔁 Don't forget to share this useful guide with your friends and colleagues who might find it handy. Let's spread the knowledge! 🌐📤

Note: This blog post assumes basic technical knowledge and familiarity with the SQL Server and Windows operating system. If you're unsure about any steps, consult a professional or refer to official documentation.