SAS 9.2 users on a 64-bit (x64) Windows 7 machine may receive an error when trying to import or export Microsoft Excel and Access files.  The error may occur no matter which method of import the user attempts (File > Import Data or running Proc Import).

The solution is to download and install the SAS PC Files Server.  Here are the instructions:

1. Download the PC Files Server from ftp://ftp.sas.com/techsup/download/base/zqjpcfileserver92m3.zip.
2. Unzip the file on your computer and it will create a folder named zqjpcfileserver92m3.zip to a location on your hard drive that you specify.
3. Open the unzipped folder and double-click on the setup.exe program.
4. You will have the option to install PC Files Server as a service.  This is recommended, but note that if the Excel or Access files you are importing are stored on a network drive then you must use UNC names (\\servername\directory\file) instead of drive letters when you reference the file(s).

Content added March 30, 2011