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Microsoft Query Error: "This data source contains no visible tables."

When you import data by using the Microsoft Query Wizard and choose Excel Files as data source, you may receive the following error message:

This data source contains no visible tables.

See following screenshot:

This data source contains no visible tables

Why?

This issue occurs because the ODBC driver used to connect to the data source perceives the worksheets in your Excel workbook as system tables and does not display them. System tables are objects in database files that are not displayed by default.

How to resolve this issue?

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. When you receive the error message listed in this article. Click OK.
  2. In the Query Wizard - Choose Columns dialog box, and then click Options.
    Microsoft Query Wizard
  3. In the Table Options dialog box, click to select the System Tables check box, and then click OK.
    System Tables
  4. Note that now you can see and select individual worksheets in your Excel data source.

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12 comments
  1. KI
    Kiran

    Thanks a lot! This worked like a charm.

  2. KG
    Kathy Gilbert

    Thx a million! This resolved my issue and I was able to create the queries I needed quickly.

  3. JE
    Jesson

    Thanks, problems are solved.

  4. NA
    Nancy

    so brilliant

  5. BI
    bilal

    very nice keep the good work

  6. MO
    Modesta

    They create their projects and projects onto it.

  7. MO
    Mostafa

    done the same, but still tables can not be viewed ?

    • MA
      Mark

      @Mostafa Did you ever get an answer, I’ve done this but still nothing displays ?

  8. تا
    تحميل اغانى

    Hi,I read your blogs named "Microsoft Query Error: "This data source contains no visible tables." - Excel How To" daily.Your writing style is witty, keep it up! And you can look our website about تحميل اغانى.

  9. RK
    raghu k p rao

    thanks its working

  10. KB
    Kunal Bhasin

    Thank you so much for the help it started working