Data Import & Export

Fix Access Import Text Wizard Errors for Delimited Files

Khadija Khan Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is encountering an error in Microsoft Access preventing the import of text files when using the Delimited option in the Import Text Wizard.

How to Fix Access Import Text Wizard Errors for Delimited Files

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Attempting to import a delimited text file into an Access database using the built-in wizard.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Access displays an error stating the text file could not be imported. This issue occurs across different databases and multiple delimited text files.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows computer, as modifying, repairing, or rolling back Microsoft Office installations requires full system permissions. It is also highly recommended to back up your current database files before proceeding.

Solution 1Recommended

Repair Microsoft Office Installation

Performing an Office repair can fix corrupted installation files that may be causing the Import Text Wizard to malfunction.

Over time, Microsoft Office application files can become corrupted due to system conflicts or interrupted updates. A built-in repair tool can automatically diagnose and replace these faulty files, restoring normal functionality to tools like the Access Import Text Wizard.

Open Windows Settings

Click the Start menu, type 'Control Panel' in the search bar, and press Enter to open it.

Navigate to Programs

Click on 'Programs' and then select 'Programs and Features' to view all installed applications on your computer.

Modify Microsoft Office

Scroll through the list to locate your version of 'Microsoft Office' or 'Microsoft 365'. Right-click on it and select 'Change'.

Run the Repair Tool

Select 'Quick Repair' from the dialog box and click 'Repair'. If the issue persists after a Quick Repair, repeat these steps and choose 'Online Repair' for a more comprehensive fix.

Restart Required: After the repair process completes, completely restart your computer before launching Microsoft Access to ensure all restored background services load properly.

Solution 2

Roll Back Microsoft Office to an Earlier Build

If the issue started occurring recently, rolling back to a previous Office build can bypass software defects introduced in the latest update.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Handling

While Microsoft Access provides database management, dealing with persistent import wizard bugs can be frustrating. If you just need to manage, clean, or analyze delimited text data quickly, WPS Spreadsheet offers an incredibly robust, error-free text import experience. It is a fully-featured, lightweight, and free alternative to the Microsoft Office suite.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
2. Launch WPS Spreadsheet: Open WPS Office and start a new blank Spreadsheet document.
3. Import Text Data: Navigate to the 'Data' tab, click on 'Import Data', and select your delimited text file to easily map and load your data.

Easily import, format, and analyze large delimited text files and CSVs without crashing.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Excel's .xlsx and .xls files.Familiar ribbon interface ensures zero learning curve for users switching from Microsoft Office.Extremely lightweight software design that runs fast on older and modern PCs alike.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Access fail to import delimited text files?

This failure is usually caused by corrupted Microsoft Office installation files, a software defect (bug) introduced in a recent Office update, or occasionally due to severely malformed formatting within the text file itself.

Can I import a text file into Access without using the Import Wizard?

Yes. You can use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) with the DoCmd.TransferText command, or run a previously saved import operation to bypass the graphical Import Text Wizard.

How do I find a previous stable build number to roll back Office?

You can find a list of historical Microsoft 365 update versions and build numbers on the official Microsoft Learn website under the 'Update history for Microsoft 365 Apps' documentation page.

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