This article explains what the error messages you might see when uploading a file to Force24 mean, and how to resolve each one.

What does the generic error message mean?

This message can appear if your file has formatting issues that prevent it from being uploaded.

To resolve this, copy and paste your data into a brand new Excel file as values only, then set a standard font such as Calibri or Arial. This removes any unwanted formatting and should allow you to upload the file to the platform. For more details, see the "How to solve 9 in 10 Data Upload issues" article.

What do the more specific error messages mean?

If you're seeing a more specific error message, find it below to learn what it means and how to resolve it.

1. The screen flashes and/or nothing happens, or a generic error appears

When you drag and drop your file into the upload area, the screen may flash briefly, nothing may happen, or you may see a generic failure message without any further details.

There are two common causes:

  • The file is password protected. Force24 cannot read the information in your file until the password has been removed.
  • The file is 30MB or larger. Try splitting your file into two or more smaller files and uploading them separately.

2. Files with multiple sheets are not allowed

Files with multiple sheets are not allowed.

This means your spreadsheet has more than one tab at the bottom. Force24 only accepts Excel workbook files (.xlsx) with one tab of data, so delete any additional sheets.

If you're still having trouble, copy and paste the data as values into a new workbook, then try uploading that file instead.

3. Column header has invalid characters

Column [Number] header has one or more invalid character(s) ('&','!').

The first cell in the column mentioned in the error contains a character that isn't supported. Remove that character.

If you can't see the character, copy and paste the data as values into a new sheet to help you find it. Remove the character, then upload the new file.

4. Sheet name contains invalid characters

Sheet name contains invalid characters. Accepted only: [a-z][A-Z][0-9][_][-]. Example: Test Sheet-Name_01

Remove any unsupported characters from the sheet name in your Excel file, and you should then be able to upload it successfully.

You can find the sheet name on the tab at the bottom of your Excel file. This is different from the file name.

If the issue continues, copy and paste the spreadsheet contents as values into a new Excel workbook, then upload that file instead.

5. Invalid password

There was a problem with the provided file: invalid password.

This means your file is password protected. Remove the password so that Force24 can access the file.

If you can't remove the password, copy the contents and paste them as values into a new Excel workbook, then upload that file instead.

6. Column header has invalid characters (line break or invisible character)

Column header has one or more invalid characters (' ').

This means one of your column headers contains a line break or an invisible character. Start by removing any paragraph spaces, then copy and paste the data as values to help you find and remove any other hidden characters.

Once you've done this, upload the new file.

7. Cell formulas are not allowed

Cell formulas are not allowed.

This means at least one cell in your file contains a formula. Copy and paste the data as values, making sure to copy only the part of your spreadsheet that contains the actual data.

Upload that file instead.

Still need help?

If you're seeing a different error message or would like a hand with any of these steps, come and chat with us. Our live chat article explains how to get help from a member of the team quickly.