Load CSV Data into SQL Server Database (Using SSMS)

                          Import CSV into SQL Server Using SSMS

Follow the steps below to import a CSV (Flat File) into your SQL Server database using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

Step 1: Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

• Launch SSMS.
• Connect to your SQL Server instance.

Step 2: Select the Target Database

• In Object Explorer, expand the server.
• Expand Databases.
• Right-click the database where you want to import the CSV data.

Step 3: Navigate to the Import Wizard

• Go to Tasks.
• Click Import Flat File…
  (This option allows importing .csv or .txt files easily.)

 Step 4: Choose the File

• In the wizard window, click Browse.
• Select your CSV file
• Enter the name you want for the SQL table
• Keep as dbo unless you want a different schema
• Click Next.

Step 5: Review Column Mapping

• The wizard will automatically detect columns.
• Validate the column names and data types.
• Make corrections if required.
• Click Next.

 

Step 6: Load Data

• Review the summary.
• Click Finish to start the import.
• Once the process completes, click Close.

Step 7: Verify Data

• Expand the Tables folder in your database.
• Open the newly created table.
• Run a query such as:

o   SELECT TOP 100 * FROM YourTableName;

• Confirm that the CSV data is correctly imported.

  

❗ Facing an Error After Clicking Finish? ❗

✔️ How to Check & Resolve Import Errors

• In the Results window, click the Error link.

• Review the detailed error message.
  
  

• Identify:

  • The column name

  • The data type mismatch

  • Invalid values (e.g., text in numeric fields, incorrect date formats)

• Update the column data type.

• Re-run the import.