Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-04

How to Fix: "The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine" Error in importing process of xlsx to a sql server

Microsoft ACE OLEDB provider not registered on local machine error.

Quick Answer: Install Microsoft Office or Access Database Engine to resolve the issue.

The error 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine' occurs when attempting to import an Excel file into SQL Server 2008 R2 using the ACE OLE DB provider. This issue affects users running 64-bit Windows 7 and 64-bit SQL Server 2008 R2, as they require a specific installation of the Access Database Engine to utilize this provider.

This error can be frustrating for users who have followed established procedures for importing Excel files into SQL Server, only to encounter this obstacle. In this guide, we will outline the root causes of this issue and provide two methods for resolving it.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that the ACE OLE DB provider is not installed on the local machine. This provider is required for importing Excel files into SQL Server 2008 R2 using the Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0 data source name (DSN). Even after installing the Access Database Engine, some users may still encounter this issue due to missing registry entries or incorrect configuration.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be that there are conflicting versions of the ACE OLE DB provider installed on the system. For example, if both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the Access Database Engine are installed, it can cause conflicts with each other. However, in most cases, a clean installation of the Access Database Engine should resolve this issue.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Installing the Access Database Engine

  1. Step 1: To install the Access Database Engine, download the latest version from Microsoft's official website and follow these steps: Download the Access Database Engine installer from Run the installer and select the '64-bit' option during installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Once installed, restart your system and attempt to import the Excel file again.
  2. Step 2: To ensure successful installation, make sure that you have administrative privileges and a stable internet connection. Additionally, consider running the installer as an administrator if prompted by a user account control (UAC) dialog box.
  3. Step 3: If you encounter any issues during installation, refer to Microsoft's official documentation for troubleshooting guides and error resolution strategies.

Installing Microsoft Office

  1. Step 1: To resolve this issue, you may need to install Microsoft Office 2010 or later, which includes the ACE OLE DB provider. Download the Microsoft Office installer from Follow these steps during installation: Select the 'Microsoft Office' option and choose the version that suits your needs. During setup, ensure that the 'Access Database Engine' is selected as an optional feature. Complete the installation process and restart your system. After installing Microsoft Office, attempt to import the Excel file again.
  2. Step 2: If you have already installed Microsoft Office but still encounter issues, try reinstalling it or seeking assistance from a Microsoft support specialist.

🎯 Final Words

In conclusion, the 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine error can be resolved by installing the Access Database Engine or Microsoft Office. By following these steps and troubleshooting guides, you should be able to successfully import your Excel file into SQL Server 2008 R2.

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