Why am I unable to import Excel files to SAS?

If your computer connects to certain printer drivers, specifically, the HP Mobile Printing PS printer/driver or the HP LaserJet PCL printer/driver, you may encounter an error when you try to import Excel files into SAS.

To test this problem, you can either remove this printer or set another printer as the default printer. To select another default printer in Windows:

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, and then Printers and Faxes.
   
   
2. Right-click another printer.
   
   
3. Select Set as Default Printer. If no other printer is available, you can add a dummy printer and select it as the default printer.

If PROC IMPORT now works again, then the problem is with the HP printer drivers.

There are two ways to fix this problem.

• If the problem is isolated to one or two machines, you can download a hotfix package from SAS:
  
  
  • Installation instructions
  • Download
  
  
• If you prefer, you can download new printer drivers from HP. There are three new drivers that should resolve the problem: one for PCL 5, one for PCL 6, and one for PostScript.

  Install the appropriate driver, and then try connecting to the original printer before you import the Excel file (after closing and restarting SAS).

This document is based on the resolution from SAS Technical Support.

For more about statistical and mathematical software, email the UITS Stat/Math Center, visit the center's web page, or phone 812-855-4724 (IUB) or 317-278-4740 (IUPUI). The center is located in Bloomington at 410 N. Park Avenue, and is open for consultation by appointment Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

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