Reference checklist

CSV import error checklist

A practical import checklist for delimiter issues, encoding problems, and schema mismatches.

Use this before pushing a CSV into a sheet, CRM, warehouse, or bulk import screen.

Copy-ready prompt patterns

Import prep

Validate the file before it reaches production.

  • Check the delimiter, encoding, and header row.
  • Count rows before and after cleaning.
  • Confirm required fields are present and mapped.

Error triage

Use these prompts when the import fails or the parser breaks.

  • Identify the most likely cause of this CSV import failure.
  • List rows that may be corrupted by commas, quotes, or line breaks.
  • Suggest a clean target schema for import.

Recovery

Use these prompts when you need a safe rerun.

  • Return a safe cleanup sequence before retrying the upload.
  • Separate rows that need manual review from rows that can be auto-fixed.
  • Write a rerun checklist for the next import.

Before and after

Before

CSV upload failed.

After

Diagnose the failure, identify delimiter or encoding issues, list likely bad rows, and return a safe rerun checklist with field mapping.

What makes this useful

  • Shows the input shape, not just the task name.
  • Separates drafting from review.
  • Works as a source page for internal linking and external reference.
  • Can be reused in recurring workflows.

Common failure cases

Wrong delimiterThe file opens, but every row collapses into one column.
Encoding mismatchSpecial characters turn into broken symbols during upload.
Bad headersRequired columns are missing, renamed, or duplicated.

Next pages to use