Why use .xlsx (Microsoft Excel 2016/2013/2010) file for data import instead of saving .xlsx as .xls(Microsoft Excel 97-2003)?

Question

/* This question is informational. I had to post it as question since I couldn't comment under others' replies to the questions associated with 3 errors below. These errors occurs in SSIS and SQL Server Import and Export wizard. */

1. The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.16.0' provider is not registered on the local machine. (System.Data)
2. The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.15.0' provider is not registered on the local machine. (System.Data)
3. The 'Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0' provider is not registered on the local machine. (System.Data)

As remedies to these errors, some people have suggested to save Excel file as .xls(Microsoft Excel 97-2003) and error will go away. Well it will go away but at cost of the data loss. Please read the answer below...

Answer 1

If you have more than 65,536 rows on a file, DO NOT SAVE .xlsx (Microsoft 2010/2013/2016) file as .xls (Microsoft Excel 97-2003) for workaround. .xls file can have only 65,536 rows. It means if you have more than 65,536 rows on Excel file and you save it as .xls(Microsoft Excel 97-2003) then there will be data loss without any informational message. This will lead into data loss.

I hope this will help someone in need.