Some SharePoint users have reported an error when creating a list in Excel. They reported that they cannot create a list in Excel when working with SharePoint. When they try to create a list from an existing file provided on a SharePoint website, they get the following error:

Something went wrong. File [xxxx] does not exist.

Possible Causes of the Error Unable to Create List in Excel

• One of the most common reasons is that the default Document Library removed from SharePoint. In this case, you will not be able to create a list from the target Excel sheet.
• Another reason could be that the filename has been renamed from “Documents” to something else. In this case, you will also fail to create a list in Excel and get the above error.
• The type of data in the Excel sheet can also be the cause of this error.
• In addition to the data type, managed metadata or some lookup column might be the reason why you can’t create a list in Excel.

Fix Excel error Unable to create list, file does not exist

Depending on what might be causing this error, you can follow the steps below to resolve it.

1. If the default document library is deleted.
2. If the default document library is renamed.
3. The data type is a problem
4. Problem with managed metadata

Let’s look at the solutions of these four cases.

1]Default document library removed.

If you’re getting the error File doesn’t exist and you can’t create a list in Excel because the default document library is deleted, follow these steps:

• If the default document library is deleted and is in the trash, you can restore it. This way you will get your excel file back and be able to create a list from that file.
• If the default document library has been deleted and is not in the recycle bin, you will need to create a new library named “Documents”.

2]Default document library renamed

If the default document library name is renamed from “Documents” to something else, you can rename it back to “Documents”. For this:

• go to library settings
• Now go to List name, Description, And Navigation
• Press Name.
• Rename the file.

3]Data type is a problem

If the data type (text, date, people picker, etc.) in an Excel worksheet is a problem, you need to check the columns in the file. Try creating a new list from an existing list that uses common data types such as a single line of text, a date, and a people picker. If you succeed, find out what other data types you are using there, which might cause some errors.

4]Problem with Managed Metadata

Once you have reviewed all the columns in the Excel worksheet and verified that the data type is not an issue, you can navigate to the root cause file. Find out if managed metadata or any view column is causing this error.

Is it possible to automatically update a SharePoint list from Excel?

It is possible with Power to automate the flow. You need to upload the Excel file to SharePoint/OneDrive, then you can read the Excel rows with Power Automate and then update the SharePoint list items.

How to create a spreadsheet-based list in SharePoint 2010?

• In the Lists app in Microsoft 365, select +New list or on the main page of your site select + New > List.
• In Microsoft Teams from Files at the top of the channel select More > Open in SharePoint and then select New > List.
• On the Create ad page, select From Excel.
• Choose Upload file to select a file on your device, or Choose a file already on this site.
• Enter a name for your list.
• Now click on Create.

If you upload from your device, the Excel file will be added to your site’s resource library, which means other people will have access to the original Excel data.

If the Upload File button is grayed out, you don’t have permission to create a list from the spreadsheet. For more information, contact your organization’s site administrator.

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