---
title: "Fixing import problems"
canonical: https://syncek.com/docs/your-data/fixing-import-problems
locale: en
author: "Syncek"
---

# Fixing import problems

When a Syncek import finishes, its row on **Imports** shows how many rows were
created, updated, skipped and failed, but not which rows. So fix the file before
the run: fill in required fields, make numbers and dates readable, convert dates
written day first, and delete spreadsheet rows that look empty but still count as
rows.

## Rows that fail

A failed row is not imported, and the rest of the file still is. A row fails when:

- a required field is empty, such as the name of an account
- a number, amount, date, time or yes-or-no value cannot be read
- in an update run, its match value belongs to more than one record

**Review values** marks dates it cannot read and options it cannot match as
**Needs review** before anything is written. Fix them there or in the spreadsheet.

## Dates written day first

Syncek reads a date such as `03/04/2026` month first whenever it can, as March 4.
Only a date that cannot be month first, such as `13/04/2026`, is read day first. A
column of day-first dates imports without a single error, with day and month
swapped on every date up to the 12th.

To read a column day first, open it in **Map columns**, add the **Convert date
format** transform and set it to **EU (dd/mm)**. **Review values** then shows each
date as it will be stored.

- Dates with dots, such as `03.04.2026`, cannot be read and fail. Add **Find and
  replace** first, replacing `.` with `/`, then **Convert date format**.
- Month names are read in English only.
- The swap shows up in `.csv` files and in Excel cells with a custom day-first
  format. An ordinary Excel date cell arrives in the right order.

## Rows that look empty

A spreadsheet where formulas were copied down keeps those cells even when they
show nothing. Syncek reads them as rows: a file with 3 customers can report 499
**Rows found**. In most objects those rows fail for a missing name. In
**Contacts**, where the name has two parts, they can stop real contacts from being
imported, as the next section explains. Delete them in the spreadsheet and upload
again.

## Many rows skipped at once

Syncek writes a file in groups of 500 rows. When one group cannot be written, every
row in it is skipped, not only the row at fault. It happens with:

- a field marked **Unique**, when a value repeats inside the file or already
  belongs to another record
- a contact row with both parts of the name blank, which is what empty spreadsheet
  rows turn into
- a required field that is not mapped, or a required cell that holds only spaces

Remove the repeats or the blank rows, or map the missing field, then import the whole file again with **Add
new & update existing**, [matching by a field that is unique](https://syncek.com/docs/your-data/updating-with-an-import). Rows that made it in
the first time are updated instead of created twice.

## A run that will not start

A workspace runs up to three imports at a time. Wait for one to finish, then start
yours.