Error converting data types when importing from Excel to SQL Server 2008

Question

Every time that I try to import an Excel file into SQL Server I\'m getting a particular error. When I try to edit the mappings the default value for all numerical fields is

Answer 1

There seems to be a really easy solution when dealing with data type issues.

Basically, at the end of Excel connection string, add ;IMEX=1;"

Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;Data Source=\\YOURSERVER\shared\Client Projects\FOLDER\Data\FILE.xls;Extended Properties="EXCEL 8.0;HDR=YES;IMEX=1";

This will resolve data type issues such as columns where values are mixed with text and numbers.

To get to connection property, right click on Excel connection manager below control flow and hit properties. It'll be to the right under solution explorer. Hope that helps.