SSIS 469 Error – Fix Guide & Download Drivers (2025)

When working with Microsoft’s SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), developers and data engineers may occasionally come across cryptic error codes that demand prompt troubleshooting. One such error is the SSIS Error Code 469, which has become increasingly common in newer versions of SQL Server and Windows OS. While the error message might seem vague at first glance, this article provides a comprehensive breakdown of what SSIS 469 means, why it occurs, and – most importantly – how to fix it. Additionally, updated driver download resources for 2025 are included to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

SSIS Error 469 is typically related to data type mismatches or outdated drivers during data import/export operations in SQL Server Integration Services. The error primarily appears in ETL tasks involving third-party data sources such as Excel, Access, or external databases using OLE DB connectors. In most cases, upgrading drivers, applying the latest SQL Server updates, and modifying data flow components resolve the issue. This guide walks through every solution step-by-step and provides links to download essential 2025 drivers.

Understanding SSIS Error 469

Error Code 469 generally appears with a message resembling:

“Data conversion failed. The data type for column ‘XYZ’ is not supported. Error Code: 469”

This error often occurs when attempting to move data between heterogeneous sources, especially where data types differ significantly. Most reports of SSIS 469 are found in:

Imports from Microsoft Excel 97–2003 files (.xls)
OLE DB Source to Flat File Destination transformations
64-bit environments where 32-bit drivers are still being used
Outdated or incompatible Microsoft Access or Excel connectivity drivers

The real culprit is usually a mismatch between the driver version and the SSIS Runtime configuration — or incorrect metadata configuration in the data flow.

Top Reasons Why You Might See SSIS 469

To diagnose this error, it’s useful to review what conditions prompt it. Here are the primary causes:

Driver Incompatibility – Using 32-bit drivers with a 64-bit runtime environment often triggers this error.
Excel/Access File Format Issues – CSV and XLS formats may not contain reliable column metadata.
Data Type Conflicts – Trying to load Unicode data into non-Unicode fields, for example.
Corrupted Data Source – Files with malformed fields or unexpected structures.

How to Fix SSIS Error 469 – Step-by-Step

The following steps resolve SSIS 469 in most environments. Tackle them one at a time, preferably in this order:

1. Update Microsoft Drivers (2025 Versions)

If you are working with Excel, Access, or third-party DB sources via OLE DB, you may need to download the latest version of the Access Database Engine (ADE) or relevant provider. Use these updated driver links:

Access Database Engine 2025 (64-bit) – Download here
OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (v19.4 or above) – Download here
Microsoft ACE OLEDB 16.0 Driver – Required for modern .xlsx and .accdb support

After installation, restart your machine and re-run the package from a fresh deployment.

2. Match Runtime Bitness (32-bit vs 64-bit)

SSIS can operate as either 64-bit or 32-bit depending on how it’s executed (e.g., Visual Studio vs SQL Agent). To avoid mismatches:

In Visual Studio, go to Project Properties → Debugging and set “Run64BitRuntime” to False if using 32-bit drivers.
When scheduling via SQL Agent, use a job step type Command Line and select the correct runtime: dtexec.exe (64-bit) or dtexec32.exe (32-bit)

3. Validate and Correct Data Types in SSIS

Within your Data Flow task, mismatched columns can silently pass validation stages but break during execution. Key tips:

Use Data Conversion transformation to explicitly convert data types between Source and Destination.
Ensure Unicode vs Non-Unicode string fields are compatible – SSIS treats DT_WSTR and DT_STR differently.
Use Derived Column tasks to clean or standardize columns before writing them out.

4. Review Source File Format or Schema

In Excel or CSV sources, the header row is essential. If fields contain mixed types (text and numbers), SSIS may choose the wrong data type based on TypeGuessRows setting in registry.

To fix:

Edit the registry key at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Jet\4.0\Engines\Excel and set TypeGuessRows to 0 (forces scan of all rows).
Use Flat File Connection Manager with manual data type configuration instead of relying on autodetect.

5. Use Script Components for Complex Fixes

If your transformation requires conditional logic or fine-grained error handling, wrap problematic columns in a Script Component as a transformation. This allows you to handle nulls, simulate type conversion, and even log abnormal rows.

Preventing Future Occurrences

To avoid SSIS 469 in future builds, follow these best practices:

Keep all drivers up-to-date: Review compatibility when upgrading SQL Server
Use explicit metadata: Always define column data types in Flat File Sources
Avoid mixed-type columns: Normalize Excel or CSV data before integration
Test packages in 64-bit environments: Avoid 32-bit dependency where possible for broader forward compatibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does SSIS Error 469 mean?: It indicates a data conversion or driver incompatibility issue during the execution of a data flow task in an SSIS package.
Is this error related to Excel or Access?: Yes, frequently. The error often occurs when importing data from Excel or Access using outdated or mismatched OLE DB drivers.
Can I fix this without installing new drivers?: Sometimes, by adjusting the package settings or using Script Components. However, the most robust fix often involves updating or matching the correct drivers.
How do I make SSIS use a 32-bit runtime?: In Visual Studio, set “Run64BitRuntime” to False in project settings. For SQL Server Agent, create a job that runs the 32-bit version of dtexec.exe.
Will this error go away in newer SQL Server versions?: Only if you use compatible drivers and avoid deprecated data sources or 32-bit configurations. Future versions of SSIS may deprecate support for older formats like .XLS entirely.

Conclusion

SSIS Error 469 can be a stumbling block when handling complex ETL processes involving external data formats. Developers should consider updating drivers, aligning runtime configurations, and adding explicit metadata conversions for smoother and future-proof data integrations. By taking the steps outlined in this guide, it’s possible to eliminate the SSIS 469 error and ensure packages run reliably across all deployments.