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Marketing Cloud Engagement | Behavior When an Import File Contains Zero Records

Publish Date: Feb 27, 2026
Description

In Marketing Cloud Engagement, importing a blank (zero-record) file into a data extension returns an import error by default. Use the Blank File Behavior option in the Import Activity's Advanced File Options to control how blank files are handled without causing errors.

Resolution
In Marketing Cloud Engagement, importing a blank (zero-record) file into a data extension returns an import error by default. To import a blank file without triggering an error, configure the Blank File Behavior option found in the Advanced File Options of the Import Activity.

 

 
Blank File Behavior Option: Behavior Overview
 
Blank File Behavior
Update Type
Behavior
Fail Import
Add Only, Update Only, Add and Update, OverWrite
Returns an error if the source data is empty (0 records).
Skip Empty File
Add Only, Update Only, Add and Update, OverWrite
The activity completes successfully, but the import is not processed if the source data is empty (0 records).
Process Empty File
OverWrite
If the source data is empty (0 records), existing records are deleted and the target data extension is set to 0 records.
Process Empty File
Add Only, Update Only, Add and Update
The import completes without updating the target data extension if the source data is empty (0 records).
 
 
 
This option previously required configuration by Support, but as of the Spring '24 Release, it is available for customers to configure directly.
Note: Business units that previously had Support enable blank file import can also change the blank file handling behavior via the Blank File Behavior option.
Knowledge Article Number

000382393

 
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Salesforce Help | Article