Excel Error Codes

How to Fix Excel Error 75 When Importing CSV to Macro-Enabled Workbook

Adam Davis Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to resolve an issue where importing a CSV file into a macro-enabled workbook (XLSM) triggers an Error 75.

How to Fix Excel Error 75 When Importing a CSV into a Macro-Enabled Workbook

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Importing a CSV data file into an XLSM workbook, often through a VBA macro or standard import process.
Observed behavior: Excel displays Error 75 (Path/File Access Error) during the import process, preventing the CSV data from loading.

Before you start

Ensure that the CSV file is not currently open in another program and that you have administrator privileges with full read/write access for the folder where the files are stored.

Solution 1Recommended

Isolate the Issue and Verify Folder Permissions

Use this solution to determine if the error is caused by macro conflicts, a specific corrupted workbook, or restrictive Windows folder permissions.

Error 75 is typically a Path/File Access Error. It means Excel or its underlying VBA engine does not have the necessary permissions to access, read, or write to the file or directory you specified.

Test with a standard XLSX file

Attempt to import the same CSV file into a standard, non-macro workbook (XLSX). If it succeeds, the issue lies within your XLSM macro code or workbook structure.

Test with a new XLSM workbook

Create a completely new, blank macro-enabled workbook. Try the import process again to see if the original workbook is corrupted.

Check folder permissions

Right-click the folder containing your CSV and XLSM files, select 'Properties', and go to the 'Security' tab. Ensure your current user account has 'Full control' checked.

Test on a different device

Move the CSV and XLSM files to a different computer and attempt the import. This helps rule out a localized device or Office installation issue.

Isolate the Issue and Verify Folder Permissions

Check Office Edition: Behavior can vary between Microsoft 365 Standard and enterprise editions. Go to File > Account in Excel to confirm your exact product version.

Solution 2

Escalate to Enterprise IT Support

If you are using an enterprise version of Office like Professional Plus 2019, standard troubleshooting may not resolve advanced permission or group policy blocks.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management

If you continue to experience frustrating macro and path access errors in Microsoft Excel, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative for handling CSV files and complex spreadsheets without restrictive access barriers.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office Free on your Windows or Mac device.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch the Spreadsheet application and create a new blank workbook.
3. Import CSV data securely: Navigate to the 'Data' tab, click 'Import Data', and select your CSV file for a seamless import experience.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xlsm, and .csvFree, lightweight design ensuring faster load times and smoother operationFamiliar user interface with a zero learning curve for Excel usersRobust data import tools without strict path/file access errors

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Error 75 mean in Excel VBA?

Error 75 indicates a 'Path/File access error.' It means that Excel or your VBA macro does not have the correct permissions to access the target file or directory, or the file is locked by another process.

Can I import a CSV directly into a macro-enabled workbook?

Yes, you can import CSV data into an XLSM file. If it fails with Error 75, the issue is typically caused by restricted folder permissions, a read-only attribute on the file, or a conflicting macro attempting to access a locked file.

How do I check my exact Microsoft Excel version?

Open Excel, click on 'File' in the top left corner, and select 'Account' at the bottom of the left-hand menu. Look under 'Product Information' to see your specific Office edition (e.g., Microsoft 365 Standard or Office Professional Plus 2019).

Microsoft Office Error Codes