File Format & Compatibility

How to Remove Underscore from Access Exported Worksheet Name

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to export data from a Microsoft Access database to an Excel workbook without having an underscore automatically appended to the target worksheet name.

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Exporting database records to a spreadsheet using the DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet method.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Access automatically inserts an underscore into the worksheet name (e.g., Export_Worksheet) instead of outputting the exact requested name (e.g., ExportWorksheet).

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative or edit access to the Access database VBA code and verify that the target Excel workbook is not currently open or locked by another user.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Excel Automation to Rename the Worksheet After Export

Export the data using your standard method, then use VBA Excel automation to safely rename the worksheet and remove the underscore.

Since the DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet method does not reliably allow you to rename the generated worksheet during the export process, the most effective workaround is to let Access perform the export, and then programmatically open the file to adjust the name.

Export the Data

Run your standard DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet command to output the file to your designated directory.

Initialize the Excel Object

In your Access VBA module, create an instance of the Excel application using CreateObject("Excel.Application").

Open the Workbook

Use the Workbooks.Open method in your code to open the newly exported Excel file.

Rename the Worksheet

Target the specific worksheet and set its .Name property to "ExportWorksheet" (removing the underscore).

Save and Close

Save the workbook and quit the Excel application object to finalize the change.

Solution 2

Pre-create the Workbook with the Correct Sheet Name

Avoid the renaming issue entirely by transferring the data into an existing workbook that already contains a properly named worksheet.

Solution 3

Use an SQL Query to Export Directly to Excel

Bypass the TransferSpreadsheet method completely by running a direct SQL SELECT INTO query to generate the desired output.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Access add an underscore to my exported worksheet name?

When using the TransferSpreadsheet method, Access sometimes normalizes strings or reacts to naming conflicts by substituting spaces or certain characters with an underscore. This is often done to ensure the name complies strictly with older Excel worksheet naming conventions or underlying database driver requirements.

Does the TransferSpreadsheet method have a built-in parameter to rename sheets post-export?

No, the DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet method does not feature a native parameter to rename a sheet after the transfer is complete. You must use Excel VBA automation from Access to change the name after the fact.

What happens if the target worksheet name already exists when exporting?

If the exact worksheet name exists and you use TransferSpreadsheet, Access will typically append the data to the existing sheet. However, if the arguments are specified incorrectly or the sheet structure differs drastically, Access may return a runtime error.

Can I open files exported by Microsoft Access in WPS Spreadsheet?

Yes, WPS Spreadsheet is fully compatible with standard Excel formats (.xls, .xlsx) and CSV files, which are the formats commonly generated by Microsoft Access data exports.

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