ERROR

Failed to connect to database. General function failure Unexpected error from external database driver

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Error Message

Adding an .xls file to ArcMap returns the following error.

Error:   
Failed to connect to database.
General function failure
Unexpected error from external database driver (1).
User-added image

Cause

The error is returned due to having installed one of the following Microsoft updates:

Per Microsoft, "Installing this update may cause applications based on the Microsoft JET Database Engine (Microsoft Access 2007 and older or non-Microsoft applications) to fail when creating or opening Microsoft Excel .xls files. The error message is 'Unexpected error from external database driver (1). (Microsoft JET Database Engine)'".

Solution or Workaround

Microsoft has provided an update to address this issue. Click the link below and install the appropriate update patch for the version and build of the operating system.

Article ID:000016969

Software:
  • ArcMap

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