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Dynamics 365 Community / Forums / Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Archived) / Data Import Template: ...
Microsoft Dynamics CRM (Archived)

Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

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Posted on by MDS 1,781

We are just in the middle of a data import and getting the error "A Duplicate Column Heading Exists" when attempting to download the data import template..

I searched through the fields on the Contact entity and deleted the duplicate field. This was some time ago (several hours), but we still receive the error when trying to download the template. Is there anything that needs to be done to "flush" the deleted field, or is it just a case of waiting? I have deleted, saved and published already.....

 

Thanks.

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  • Suggested answer
    Community Member Profile Picture
    Community Member on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    Go to the view of the entity , Go to advanced find , Add all columns , you can Identify the duplicated header much easier this way

    I've had this issue and I Found the duplicated field and I removed it

  • Community Member Profile Picture
    Community Member on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    this was very helpful, after changing display name i am also able to download the template.

  • Vijil Jones Profile Picture
    Vijil Jones 40 on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    I had the same issue.  In Settings> Customizations, display the Entities that causes the error.  Sort the fields by display name and scroll through the list until you find two identical display names.  Rename one, save and publish your changes.  You should now be able to download the Import template.

  • Mr Ramzy GHRIBI Profile Picture
    Mr Ramzy GHRIBI 345 on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    i export my metadata file and i find the duplicated field :))

  • Community Member Profile Picture
    Community Member on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    Strange indeed!

    I'm glad it works now.

    Alex

  • Verified answer
    MDS Profile Picture
    MDS 1,781 on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    Strange. I've just tried again, and now it's working! I haven't changed anything, so it must be time related or maybe there's some issues with CRM Online this afternoon!

    Thanks for your help.

  • Community Member Profile Picture
    Community Member on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    Exactly.

    Are you sure you published your changes ?

    Alex

  • MDS Profile Picture
    MDS 1,781 on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    Not that I can see. Is it only the Display Name that you can have duplicates isn't it? The Schema Name and the Name will always be unique?

    Thanks.

  • Suggested answer
    Community Member Profile Picture
    Community Member on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    Hi,

    Are you sure you deleted all duplicate fields ?

    Field is considered as duplicate if it has the same "Column name" as another. It means you can have for example two fields on a form with différent labels, but their real complete name is the same.

    Once you're sure you've deleted/renamed duplicates, make sure you save and publish your changes.

    Doing so should enable you to download your templates.

    Hope it helps.

    Alex

  • MDS Profile Picture
    MDS 1,781 on at
    RE: Data Import Template: "Duplicate Column Heading Exists"

    Hi Abed,

    I cannot open the file because I am unable to actually download it. The error is thrown as I try to download the Contact entity Data Import Template from Settings/Data Management....

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