No harm done Ed,

I agree with you on many topics.

Because I didn't want for people having to read a very long story I skipped some parts.

Your suggestion on installing SQL Server on a "blank machine" I just what I did, with 1 difference: the test machine is 32-bits, my regular machine is 64.

The tryout gave me enough confidence to go for the installation on the regular computer, and then I ran into SSIS trouble.

With help from Bob (thanks again!) I figured out and did the uninstall,and reinstalled SQL Server.

As far as I can see all works fine, except..

I found on you tube a (very good) tutorial series made by WiseOwl.

Since I am new to SS I started with tutorial 1, SSIS-ing data from SS to Excel.

I have the entire process working, except the last step gives me a hard time: the excel connection and column types in Excel

Trying to find the problem on internet I see that it is a well known problem. so I have some reading to do ...

Hein