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SQL Server 2012 DQS Export to 64-bit .xls Excel file fails with error

  • Article

This article helps you resolve the problem where File Download Failed, Check that the export destination file does not already exist error occurs.

Applies to:   SQL Server 2012 Business Intelligence, SQL Server 2012 Developer, SQL Server 2012 Enterprise
Original KB number:   2712972

Symptoms

When using SQL Server 2012 Data Quality Services, on a computer where Microsoft Excel 64-bit is installed, consider the following scenario:

  • You use Data Quality Client to run a Cleansing or Matching Data project.

  • You complete the necessary steps to reach the final Export page of the data quality project.

  • You attempt to Export cleansing results, to Destination Type Excel File.

    • You click the browse button to specify an existing Excel file to export to.
    • You specify the export file type as Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls) and point to a file with the .xls extension.
    • You click the Open button to choose the destination file.

  • You click the Export button to run the export action.

An error appears:

File Download Failed, Check that the export destination file does not already exist.

Cause

In this scenario exporting to the Excel 2003-2007 file type *.xls fails, which is a bug.

DQS should be able to export to *.xls when Microsoft Excel 64-bit is installed without error.

Resolution

Service pack information for SQL Server 2012

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2012. For more information, see KB2755533 - How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2012.

You can now browse and specify the export file that has *.xls extension and run the Export action without the error, when Excel 64-bit is installed on the computer.

More information

When using 64-bit Microsoft Excel 2007 or 2010 on the computer where Data Quality Client is installed, you can export only to the backward compatible Excel 2003-2007 *.xls file format, or choose another Destination Type such as SQL Server or CSV (a comma-delimited text file).

It is expected behavior that SQL Server 2012 Data Quality Client cannot export data projects to the newer *.xlsx file format when the Microsoft Excel version installed is 64-bit. This is by design.

When using 32-bit Microsoft Excel 2007 or 2010 on the computer where Data Quality Client is installed, you may export to *.xlsx*.xls, or choose another Destination Type such as SQL Server or CSV.

To view the version of Excel and detect if it is 64-bit or 32-bit.

  • In Excel 2007

    Click the circular Office button in the upper left. Choose the options button, view the references page. View the about section.

  • In Excel 2010

    Click the File tab on the ribbon, Click the Help page, and note the version on the right pane under the heading About Microsoft Excel.

    The version number and architecture will be listed, such as (32-bit) or (64-bit).