Connect - Import Tables - requires Excel

When trying to import an .xlsx file it appears MicroStation requires Excel to be installed.

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  • No. The "import from Excel" feature requires an API which we can use to read the contents, formatting, etc from the .xls/.xlsx file.
    The most robust and up-to-date such API is provided by Microsoft and requires Excel to be installed.
    Alternatives exist, but they will not operate as reliably.

    David, you are welcome to file an enhancement request if this is a problem for you.
    You will find most other Excel-related features in the product have this same requirement.

    Regards,
    Paul
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  • Unknown said:
    The most robust and up-to-date such API is provided by Microsoft and requires Excel to be installed

    Is that a technical requirement or a Microsoft marketing requirement?  That is...

    1. can I install any version of Excel?
    2. one of those versions of Excel that comprehends the .xlsx file format?
    3. the latest version of Excel? 

    Does the API simply check whether Excel is installed, or is it looking for a specific version of Excel?

     
    Regards, Jon Summers
    LA Solutions

  • Unknown said:
    Paul Connelly
    The most robust and up-to-date such API is provided by Microsoft and requires Excel to be installed
    1. can I install any version of Excel?
    2. one of those versions of Excel that comprehends the .xlsx file format?
    3. the latest version of Excel? 

    Does the API simply check whether Excel is installed, or is it looking for a specific version of Excel?

    Great questions.
    1. If so, that would mean Bentley incorporates the required parts of the API and is just contractually required to check if Excel is installed (no doubt with a valid license). Possible, but I doubt it.
    2. Does Bentley actually use part of the Excel installation to read the Excel file? They probably do, even if free alternatives are available (though maybe less robust than the real thing). Being able to fall back on a free alternative in case Excel isn't installed would be preferable to just displaying a dumb error box "Must have Excel. Beep. Can not read file. Beep. If I had feelings, I would feel dumb. Beep.".
    3. No doubt not the latest version since that is 2016, and I have 2013 installed and it works, but probably at least 2007 or later is required (first with xlsx format).
    Let's wait for Bentley to wake up.