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Exporting Data to Re-import: The Invalid Column Headings Issue

Post Author: Joe D365 |

Often you'll need to export data from CRM, make changes, and then re-import the data using CRM's out-of-box capabilities. In doing this, you might receive the message "The data has invalid column headings, so you will not be able to re-import it" pop up. What is this message and how do I successfully export my data?

Exporting Data to Re-import: The Invalid Column Headings Issue

The issue actually has to do with duplicate display names. Since the export writes the display name as the column name, you cannot have duplicates because CRM doesn't know how to match up the columns again when it re-imports the data.

In the scenario below, there is an issue with a duplicate status fields; the out-of-box status and a custom status field with the same name.

Exporting Data to Re-import: The Invalid Column Headings Issue

Hopefully this will help you get past this error message and successfully export your data for re-importing. Interested in taking your CRM experience to the next level? Consider attending this year’s PowerUp in Minneapolis, MN, November 10-11 with an optional hands-on day November 12! Hosted by PowerObjects, this can’t-miss CRM event features over 60 breakout sessions and includes tracks for all experience levels. Register today!

Happy CRM'ing!

Joe CRM
By Joe D365
Joe D365 is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 superhero who runs on pure Dynamics adrenaline. As the face of PowerObjects, Joe D365’s mission is to reveal innovative ways to use Dynamics 365 and bring the application to more businesses and organizations around the world.

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