Cannot open .xls by power bi

[EXCHD]

Hi

I have .xls files emailed to me. When I open the file it comes with this error: "external table is not in the expected format".

If I save file as .xlsx then I can open it.

I cannot always manually change the format to .xlsx. if this can be automated that would solve my issue.

Any help is appreciated

[v-piga-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @EXCHD ,

I have a little confused about your requirement.

If you want to get data from .xls file. You could refer to the information below.

1. In Power BI (service), you can connect to or import data and reports from three types of files.

• Microsoft Excel (.xlsx or .xlsm)
• Power BI Desktop (.pbix)
• Comma Separated Value (.csv)

2. While Power Bi desktop do support to import .xls file type, we could also manage report under Power Bi desktop.

Best Regards,

Cherry

[v-piga-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @EXCHD ,

I have a little confused about your requirement.

If you want to get data from .xls file. You could refer to the information below.

1. In Power BI (service), you can connect to or import data and reports from three types of files.

• Microsoft Excel (.xlsx or .xlsm)
• Power BI Desktop (.pbix)
• Comma Separated Value (.csv)

2. While Power Bi desktop do support to import .xls file type, we could also manage report under Power Bi desktop.

Best Regards,

Cherry

[wagadd]

dear , power BI desctop could not open a file with .xls

i got this message Details: "External table is not in the expected format."

[EXCHD · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The file extension is .xls. when I ve looked closer I have found that the format is .html with .xls extension.

I was able to open to file with PBI.

[v-piga-msft]

Hi @EXCHD,

It seems that you have found the solution. I will accept the replies making sense as solution to your question so that people who may have the same question can get the solution directly.

Best  Regards,

Cherry