Support Article
Export to Excel raises error "Unable to read file."
SA-24964
Summary
Export to Excel from report definition raises error "Unable to read file."
Users are running application in IE11; the issue does not occur in other browsers, e,g, Chrome or Firefox. The issue is somewhat sporadic. To improve odds of reproducing issue the user should quickly locate security dialog at the bottom.
and click the "Open" button as promptly as possible. If fast enough, Excel will raise error
Error Messages
Unable to read file.
Steps to Reproduce
1. Run a report definition in IE11.
2. Click 'Edit in Excel' to export the data to Excel.
3. Locate prompt "Do you want to open or save XxxxYyyy.xls file from Zzzz?" at the bottom.
4. Promptly click "Open" button.
Root Cause
This is a known timing issue specific to IE11.
Resolution
Users have four options to avoid running into the issue:
1. Wait long enough before clicking "Open". IE11 provides a clue when the download is completed.
When the user clicks Export to Excel link, at first the security dialog looks like this (notice the color):
As long as the user avoids hovering mouse cursor over the dialog and waits for a while, the dialog will blink and change color:
At this point click the "Open" button abd the export will succeed.
2. Instead of “Open”, pull down “Save”, select “Save As” option, and then open saved file in Excel. This requires more clicks, but does the job.
3. Use browser other that IE11, e.g. Chrome or Firefox.
4. You can apply HFix-28235.
Published June 27, 2016 - Updated October 8, 2020
Have a question? Get answers now.
Visit the Collaboration Center to ask questions, engage in discussions, share ideas, and help others.