VBA & Macro Problems

Fix Access Import Specification Name Error in VBA

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

A user encounters an error in VBA stating that the named import specification cannot be found when attempting to automate a text file import.

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automating the import of a comma-delimited text file using the DoCmd.TransferText VBA method.
Observed behavior: The manual import works successfully, but the VBA execution fails because the specified import specification name (e.g., ImportEvents) does not match the actual saved specification name.

Before you start

Verify the exact file path of the comma-delimited text file you are trying to import, and ensure you have sufficient permissions to read the file.

Solution 1Recommended

Query the MSysIMEXSpecs System Table to Find the Name

Find the exact names of all saved import specifications by querying the hidden Access system table.

Microsoft Access stores saved import and export specifications in a hidden system table called MSysIMEXSpecs. By querying this table directly, you can bypass the wizard and find the exact string Access expects in your VBA code.

Open Query Design

Open your Access database, navigate to the 'Create' tab on the ribbon, and click on 'Query Design'. Close the 'Show Table' dialog without adding any tables.

Switch to SQL View

Click the 'View' button in the top left corner of the ribbon and select 'SQL View' from the dropdown menu.

Run the Query

Type the following SQL statement: SELECT SpecName FROM MSysIMEXSpecs; then click the 'Run' button (the red exclamation mark) on the ribbon.

Identify the Correct Specification

Review the list of returned names and locate the exact specification name intended for your comma-delimited text file import.

Hidden Objects: Alternatively, you can view this table by right-clicking the Navigation Pane, selecting 'Navigation Options', and checking 'Show System Objects'.

Solution 2

Update the DoCmd.TransferText VBA Statement

Replace the incorrect specification name in your VBA code with the actual name retrieved from the system table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does DoCmd.TransferText work manually but fail in VBA?

Manual imports often rely on default settings or implicitly temporary specifications created by the import wizard. In VBA, DoCmd.TransferText requires the exact, case-sensitive name of a permanently saved import specification; otherwise, Access cannot locate the parsing rules.

How do I save an import specification in Access?

When you manually import a text file using the 'Get External Data' wizard, click the 'Advanced' button in the bottom left corner. Configure your delimiter and field settings, then click 'Save As' to assign a name and save the specification for future VBA use.

What parameters does DoCmd.TransferText require for a comma-delimited file?

To import a comma-delimited file, you typically need the TransferType (acImportDelim), the SpecificationName (the exact saved spec name), the TableName (target table), and the FileName (full path to the text file). An optional parameter indicates if the file has field names.

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