Data Import & Export

How to Fix Microsoft Access Run-Time Error 3275 When Importing Excel Files

Anum Mushtaq Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users encounter run-time error 3275 when trying to import Excel workbooks into Microsoft Access using the DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet macro.

How to Fix Microsoft Access Run-Time Error 3275 When Importing Excel Files

Product: Microsoft Access / Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Importing an Excel workbook into an Access database via macro, often failing after a recent Access or Windows update.
Observed behavior: Access displays 'Unexpected error from external database driver' (Run-Time Error 3275) and fails to import the data.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges to check for Windows and Office updates, and verify that the Excel workbook you intend to import is not corrupted.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Content and Keep the Excel Workbook Open

This workaround bypasses the error by actively keeping the Excel application running and macros enabled during the import process.

In many cases, the external database driver fails because the Excel file is closed or restricted by security settings before Access can read the data. Keeping the file open stabilizes the connection.

Open the target Excel file

Launch Microsoft Excel and open the specific workbook you are trying to import into Access.

Enable Content

If Excel displays a yellow security warning bar at the top indicating that macros or active content have been disabled, click the 'Enable Content' button.

Leave the workbook open

Do not close the Excel window. Leave the file open and running in the background.

Run the import macro

Switch to Microsoft Access and execute the DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet macro to successfully import the data.

Enable Content and Keep the Excel Workbook Open

Important: Closing the Excel file before starting the Access import will reproduce run-time error 3275. Keep it open until the import is complete.

Solution 2

Check Recent Windows and Access Updates

Since the error often occurs suddenly after an update, identifying the update can help you isolate the cause and potentially roll back the software build.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Stable Office Suite? Try WPS Office

While Microsoft Access and Excel may occasionally encounter complex run-time errors during advanced data imports, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for everyday spreadsheet and document tasks without the heavy resource usage.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package.
2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your Windows PC.
3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets to easily open, view, and manage your Excel files smoothly.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) files and formulas.Lightweight installation with fast loading speeds and reliable performance.Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface.Built-in tools for seamless data management and export.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Microsoft Access Run-Time Error 3275?

Error 3275 is typically caused by an unexpected issue with the external database driver. It frequently occurs when using the DoCmd.TransferSpreadsheet macro to import an Excel file, especially if the file is closed prematurely or following specific Office or Windows updates.

Why do I need to click 'Enable Content' in Excel before importing to Access?

Clicking 'Enable Content' clears security blocks that prevent external programs like Access from interacting with the Excel workbook's active content and data structure, successfully bypassing the external database driver error.

Can a Microsoft Office update cause Excel import errors in Access?

Yes, specific updates (such as Microsoft 365 Access Version 2211 or Build 15831.20208) have been known to change import behaviors and trigger driver errors. Identifying these updates allows you to apply workarounds or roll back to a stable version.

Excel & Data Problems