downloading call results in xls format

[Todd Wolford]

When I click to download call records in xls format, the file it gives
me has an .xls extension, but it's actually csv format inside the
file. I remember this problem from a couple years ago, so I had
stopped downloading in xls format. Looks like it's still a problem.

A problem like this is definitely server-side. Clearing my browser
cache does nothing to help.

When I open the downloaded file, it says "The file you are trying to
open, 'campaign.xls' is in a different format than specified by the
the file extension. Verify that the file is not corrupted... Do you
want to open the file now?"

If I click yes, it still opens it, because Excel can open csv
formatted files just fine. But if you're going to give me a file with
a .xls extension, it needs to be in excel format.

When I open the downloaded .xls file using notepad, I can verify that
it is in csv format.

--


------------------------------

*This email message including attachments, from AALL or its affiliates, is
for the sole use of the recipient(s) and may contain privileged or
confidential information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or
distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient (s) of
this message, you may not review, use or distribute this information, and
you should destroy this message and notify the sender by reply email. **Any
information or advice contained in this email is subject to the terms and
conditions in any applicable agreement and does not constitute a contract
or other legally binding obligation. *

[Todd Wolford]

Is there anyone out there?

[William Hughes]

Todd,

We are aware that th XLS download is really in CSV format. Other than the file extension and some metadata in the file header, there is actually no difference between the two formats. We aren't implementing any Excel-specific formatting, formulas, or macros. Excel gives the "Error Warning" because they would like you to convert the file and lock into the XLS format. We have no pressing need to do an actual XLS conversion there.

Bill
CallFire Solutions Team

[Todd Wolford]

 

Actually, the "Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls)" format is Microsoft's own custom binary format.  It does not translate to plain text as easily as you suggest.

 

If I can make a suggestion, I think it would be less confusing if you would just remove the "xls" download option, and add a brief note to the "csv" option that this format is supported by Excel.

Like I said before, if a file has a "xls" extension, it should actually be in the Excel 97-2003 binary format.  That's universally what that extension means.

 

Thanks for your time Bill,

 

 

 

Todd Wolford, AALL Insurance  

---

This email message including attachments, from AALL or its affiliates, is for the sole use of the recipient(s) and may contain privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient (s) of this message, you may not review, use or distribute this information, and you should destroy this message and notify the sender by reply email.  Any information or advice contained in this email is subject to the terms and conditions in any applicable agreement and does not constitute a contract or other legally binding obligation.