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

Cause
The error is returned due to having installed one of the following Microsoft updates:
- Windows 7: October 10, 2017 — KB4041681 (Monthly Rollup)
- Windows 8.1: October 17, 2017—KB4041685 (Preview of Monthly Rollup)
- Windows 10: October 10, 2017 — KB4041676 (OS Build 15063.674)
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.
Related Information
- Windows 10: November 14, 2017 - KB4048954 (OS Build 15063.726 and 15063.728)
- Windows 7: November 14, 2017 - KB4048957 (Monthly Rollup)
- Security Update for Microsoft Windows (October 10, 2017 — KB4041681 (Monthly Rollup)
- October 10, 2017 — KB4041676 (OS Build 15063.674)
Last Published: 3/23/2018
Article ID: 000016969
Software: ArcMap 10.4.1, 10.4