Errors with my Papdis file
Common Errors when uploading a PAPDIS file and how to fix them
Uploading a PAPDIS file and seeing a “Fail” status? Don’t worry – it usually means there’s a small formatting issue to fix.
Here are the most common error messages you might see, what they mean, and how to sort them.
1. Error: The Employer ID on the submission is not the correct one for this company
What it means:
The employer ID in column C of your PAPDIS file doesn’t match the one for your account.
How to fix it:
-
Make sure you’re uploading the file to the right account.
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If the account is correct, check your dashboard for the right employer ID.
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Update column C with the correct ID, save the file, and upload again.
2. Error: Group is missing
What it means:
Column D in your file is blank – and this column can’t be empty.
How to fix it:
-
Add a group name in column D for each record.
-
If you don’t use groups, just enter
default
(in lowercase) for each row.
3. Error: National Insurance number format is wrong
What it means:
There’s an invalid NI number in column R.
How to fix it:
-
Double-check and correct the NI number.
-
If you don’t have a valid one (or if it’s temporary), delete the number from the file and try again.
4. Error: We do not recognise the name of the header(s)
What it means:
There’s a column header in your file that doesn’t match the required format.
How to fix it:
-
The error message will tell you which header isn’t right.
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Update the header to match the correct naming.
-
Save and upload again.
5. Error: A header is missing
What it means:
One of the required headers isn’t included in your file.
How to fix it:
-
Check the error message to see which header is missing.
-
Add that header and any relevant data to your file.
-
Save and re-upload.
6. Error: The allowed file types are text/plain and text/CSV
What it means:
Your file is saved in the wrong format.
How to fix it:
-
Resave the file as a CSV (Comma Delimited) file – with the
.csv
extension. -
Then try uploading again.
One last thing
If you’ve had to make any of these fixes, remember to also update your payroll software. That way, the next time you generate a PAPDIS file, the same issue won’t pop up again.
Still stuck?
We’ve got your back. Contact Thrive Support and we’ll help you get everything sorted.