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Fix Excel 2016 Power Query Opening MSN Instead of Web Import Dialog
Question details
Excel 2016 automatically opens an MSN URL and shows a script error when using the From Web command, completely bypassing the dialog to enter a target web address.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to import data using the 'From Web' feature in Excel's Power Query.
- Observed behavior
- The web import dialog does not appear; instead, Excel routes directly to an MSN URL and displays a script error before any URL can be entered.
Ensure your computer has an active, stable internet connection and that you have administrator privileges, as resolving this may require modifying Office installations or updating system components.
Start Excel in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Running Excel in Safe Mode helps determine if a third-party add-in is hijacking the web import command.
Safe mode launches Excel without any startup add-ins or custom extensions. If the 'From Web' dialog works correctly in Safe Mode, an active add-in is likely causing the MSN redirection and script error.
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type 'excel /safe' (without quotes) and press Enter.
Go to the Data tab and click 'From Web'. If the correct URL dialog appears, proceed to the next step to disable the problematic add-in.
Click File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom, change the Manage dropdown to 'COM Add-ins' and click Go. Uncheck all add-ins, click OK, and restart Excel normally to see if the issue is resolved.
Perform an Online Repair of Microsoft Office
An Online Repair reinstalls core Office components, fixing corrupted files that may be breaking the Power Query interface.
Update Office and System Components
Installing the latest Office builds and Windows updates ensures legacy web components used by Power Query are fully patched.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Management
If Excel continues to encounter script errors or fails to perform basic data tasks due to legacy system dependencies, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, modern, and highly compatible environment for your spreadsheet needs.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installation package and run the installer.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx workbooks directly without formatting loss.
- 3. Manage Data Smoothly: Utilize the built-in Data tab tools to sort, filter, and manage your datasets without encountering legacy script errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel's From Web command open an MSN page?
Excel 2016 relies on underlying Internet Explorer components to render some web queries and login prompts. If the registry is misconfigured or a script error occurs before the dialog loads, the embedded browser may default to the standard MSN homepage.
What is the difference between Quick Repair and Online Repair?
Quick Repair scans and replaces corrupted files locally and finishes quickly without an internet connection. Online Repair uninstalls and completely downloads a fresh copy of Office components, making it much more effective for deep-rooted issues like Power Query script errors.
How can I check my exact Excel 2016 build version?
Open Excel, click on the 'File' menu, select 'Account', and look under the 'About Excel' section. You will see the specific build number and whether you are running a 32-bit or 64-bit installation, which is crucial information for support teams.
