Fix Excel Crashes When Using From Text/CSV Import
Question details
The user needs to stop Excel from crashing when importing data with From Text/CSV.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user selects From Text/CSV to import data into an Excel workbook.
- Observed behavior
- Excel crashes when the From Text/CSV import command is selected.
Confirm that Excel crashes when you select Data > From Text/CSV, then close Excel before testing. The troubleshooting steps below apply to Excel on Windows.
Test Excel in Safe Mode and isolate add-ins
Use Safe Mode to check whether an add-in is causing the import crash.
Press Windows + R, enter excel /safe, and select OK.
In Excel, select Data > From Text/CSV and check whether the command still causes a crash.
If the crash stops in Safe Mode, restart Excel normally and go to File > Options > Add-ins. Under Manage, select COM Add-ins and click Go, then clear the selected add-ins. Repeat for Excel Add-ins in the Manage list.
Return to File > Options > Add-ins and re-enable add-ins one at a time. Test Data > From Text/CSV after each change; leave the add-in that triggers the crash disabled.
Repair Microsoft Office with Online Repair
Use Online Repair if Excel still crashes in Safe Mode or disabling add-ins does not resolve the issue.
Open CSV Files with WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Office is a free, lightweight, easy-to-use alternative with a familiar interface for working with spreadsheets. Open CSV files in WPS Spreadsheets and work with common Excel formats when moving between office suites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start Excel in Safe Mode on Windows?
Press Windows + R, type excel /safe, and select OK. Then test Data > From Text/CSV.
How can I tell whether an Excel add-in is causing the crash?
If the crash stops in Safe Mode, disable add-ins under File > Options > Add-ins. Re-enable them one at a time and test the import command after each change.
What should I do if Excel also crashes in Safe Mode?
Press Windows + R, run appwiz.cpl, select Microsoft 365 or Office, and choose Change > Online Repair. Restart Windows and test the import again.
Can I work with my CSV file outside Excel?
Yes. You can open a CSV file in WPS Spreadsheets as an alternative, although this does not repair the Excel crash.
