SQL Server 2008 R2, VS 2008, XL 2003 I think I know the answer to this based on testing but I was wondering if anyone can confirm if there is a maximum excel sheet name length when loading from MS Excel worksheets? As an example, I have a package that dynamically creates a variable which forms something like the following: SELECT * FROM [Cybil Extract CapAd - Singapore$A2:AL] that fails even though the worksheet name is correct If I change the worksheet name to Cybil Extract CapAd- Singapore (i.e. remove 1 space), it works fine. Doesn;t matter which character I change / add - the linit seems to be 30 characters...Rgds Geoff

Geoff, The actual limit is 31 chars. I made sure it has not changed even in MS Office 2010 SP1 Excel.Arthur My Blog

interesting 31 chars fails for me 30 chars succeeds At least you have confirmed that there is a limit! Seems odd given the ability to name excel sheets much longer than that but hey ho!Rgds Geoff

Please note Geoff that your sheet name 'Cybil Extract CapAd - Singapore' is exactly 31 chars.Arthur My Blog

...and it fails - remove any character to reduce the name to 30 chars and it works...Rgds Geoff

Yeah, it must be a specs mismatch on the SQL side, perhaps worth opening a MS Connect item.Arthur My Blog