---
title: "Import Layout File Types - XLS versus XL97"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/DS/1526497286/Import%20Layout%20File%20Types%20-%20XLS%20versus%20XL97"
format: markdown
---
When a import layouts were previously created in DataShed4, the import layouts for Excel files might be using the File Type XLS or even XLSX instead of XL97 when setup using the “Microsfot Excel” Import file type.

![image-20241212-013715.png](media://3f8dd99d-0817-459c-afa6-13a9e5ac8b9e)


DataShed4 would store the `File_Type` value in `tblSYSImportLayout` as XLS for files of type .xls the older Excel format, or as XLSX for the modern version but this could only be achieved by modifying an existing import layout using the System Administration tool > Import Layouts and setting the `File_Type`  to XLS or XLSX instead of the **default** XL97.

DataShed5 doesn’t support importing .xls files at all and for all types of Excel files currently supported (xlsx), uses the `File_Type` value XL97 and a `DefaultRange`  value which equates to the Sheet name in the Excel file.

Any import layout that doesn’t use XL97 as the `File_Type` is not displayed in the drop-down list of import layouts in DS5 and can’t be used.


**Suggested workaround**

If you are still importing data from .xls files it is strongly recommended that your import layouts be re-created using .xlsx files instead.

[Importing Excel file userguide](https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/DS/1505394761/Import+Data+v3.1.0#Importing-Excel-Files)

However, if the import layout is already created for xlsx but not working then it might be worth:

- checking in `tblSYSImportLayout` , change import `File_Type`  values from XLS or XLSX to XL97
- Check that the sheet name is also recorded in `DefaultRange`   and if not, add it.

When both the `File_Type`  and the `DefaultRange`   are adequately populated then the import layouts should be displayed in the drop-down list and also work again.

To check what `File_Type`  is in use in the database ruin the below script

```sql
SELECT [Layout]
      ,[Description]
      ,[File_Type]
  FROM [tblSYSImportLayout]
```