[SalesForce] CSV header row error when using DataLoader

I am working using DataLoader 45.0.0 to migrate our current SF to FSC. When choosing the CSV file in the "Load Inserts" dialog in DataLoader, I am greeted with the full error "CSV Error: Invalid CSV file format. Please select a different file. Error getting header row from the CSV file."

This is the exact file that I have extracted from the originating database using DataLoader. I believe the error has something to do with the encoding/byte order marks on the file. Even when opening in Notepad++ and encoding in UTF-8 (no BOM) or performing the same task using a Python script, I still receive the same error.

Is there a way to find out what exactly DataLoader is looking for in the header row?

Best Answer

I found this thread with similar problems.

Try the following:

Make sure CSV encoding of data loader settings matches your file (make sure both are UTF-8). There are a variety of settings for CSV parsing: see image

If that doesn't work, Try using dataloader.io instead of desktop client. It apparently gives more detail about errors / works better

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[SalesForce] “Cannot parse empty string” error when exporting using dataloader

The example given in the data loader guide for an upsert doesn't include fields that you need for an extract. Here are the missing fields:

<entry key="sfdc.extractionRequestSize" value="200"/>
                <entry key="sfdc.extractionSOQL" value="select ID,
OWNERID,
ISDELETED,
NAME,
CREATEDDATE,
CREATEDBYID,
etc.
from contact"/>

The error was caused because there was no SOQL, hence an empty string error.

[SalesForce] Multiple lines when exporting data from salesforce into csv. (DataLoader)

That's standard CSV format. Any program that understands CSV will correctly parse the file. When a cell starts with a quotation mark, it must end with a quotation mark. Everything in between, including commas and new line characters, are part of the cell's data. There's nothing strange about the output. Try loading the file in Excel, or reading it into a database, and you'll see it works as expected.

Also, see RFC 4180, which is considered the standard for CSV. Note that a RFC is usually modeled on formats already found in the wild at the time of writing, as many formats often converge to a de facto standard by consensus far before a formal standard is written.

Best Answer

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[SalesForce] “Cannot parse empty string” error when exporting using dataloader

[SalesForce] Multiple lines when exporting data from salesforce into csv. (DataLoader)

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