How to get data from an existing Excel file using report generation toolkit

[mbaycura]

I'm trying to use the Excel Get Data vi from the report generation toolkit, but i can't figure out how to turn a browsable path into the right type for the VI.  I've tried using the New Report.vi, but that doesn't work unless you use a template.  It won't open an existing excel file and make it an open report to pull data from.

Essentially, i have a bunch of excel files that have data in them and i want to use a VI to analyze the data.  So, i'm trying to pull in all the data directly from the excel file so i don't have to reproscess them all into text so i can use the more standard spreadsheet VIs.  But to even convert the excel file programtically in labview won't i still need to be able to open the excel file and get the data?

[krispiekream]

have you tried Read Spreadsheet file?

If you dont mind possting, can you post the excel file you want to read?

[RavensFan]

Krispiekream,

You've been on the forums long enough to know that Read from Spreadsheet File has nothing to do with reading Excel files.

[krispiekream]

Really?

I use it to read my excel files.

I must have mistaken.

[RavensFan]

It reads text files.

Open up your file in notepad.  If it is readable to you (and doesn't have XML code), it is a text file and can be read with Read Spreadsheet file.  DO NOT give these kinds of files .xls extensions because they are not Excel files.  If it is not readable to you because it is mostly crazy characters, then you do have a real .xls file.  Read from Spreadsheet file cannot read that file.

[krispiekream]

I C.

Got it,

the reason why I can view it using my Excel file because its in .CSV.

I open Microsoft Excel to open .CSV file.

But you can also open .csv file with notepad.

So, you cannot open .xls with Read Spreadsheet File

I learn something everyday

[mbaycura · Accepted solution]

I figured out my problem.  It turns out not to have been a problem with the New Report toolkit vi.  i had accidentally wired a folder path input control instead of a file path input control to it.  Changing the type to file took care of it and i was able to access the excel files i wanted using the New Report VI to pull the file and Excel Get Data to pull the data.