Fix Excel PivotTable Refresh Errors Caused by Print Area in WPS Spreadsheets
Question details
The user needs to fix an Excel PivotTable refresh error that occurs after source data changes and refers to the hidden '.xlnm.Print.Area' name.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user refreshes an Excel PivotTable after the underlying workbook data changes.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays an error stating that it cannot obtain data from '.xlnm.Print.Area' when refreshing the PivotTable, and clearing the visible print area does not resolve it.
Before changing anything, write down the rows, columns, and value fields used by the existing PivotTable and note the exact source data range. Open the affected workbook in WPS Spreadsheets so you can use the PivotTable and Name Manager tools directly.
Recreate the PivotTable in a New WPS Spreadsheets Workbook
Use this when clearing the print area does not remove the '.xlnm.Print.Area' error; rebuilding from source data avoids the corrupted hidden print area name.
The error usually points to a hidden Excel defined name rather than the visible print area. Copying only the source data into a new workbook leaves the damaged name behind.
Launch WPS Office, click Menu > Open, and select the Excel workbook that shows the PivotTable refresh error.
Select the PivotTable source data range, right-click and choose Copy, then create a new workbook or worksheet and paste the data.
Select the pasted data, go to Insert > PivotTable, choose New Worksheet, and click OK.
Drag the same fields into Rows, Columns, and Values as they were arranged in the original PivotTable.
Click the PivotTable, go to PivotTable Tools > Refresh, then select the report area and click Page Layout > Print Area > Set Print Area.
Delete the Hidden Print Area Name in Name Manager and Refresh
Try this when you want to keep the existing workbook structure and only the hidden print area defined name is invalid.
Rebuild the PivotTable in WPS Spreadsheets to Fix the Print Area Refresh Error
Open the Excel workbook in WPS Spreadsheets, rebuild the PivotTable from the original data in a clean sheet, and set the print area again. This bypasses the hidden '.xlnm.Print.Area' reference that triggers Excel's refresh error.
- 1. Open your Excel workbook: Click Menu > Open in WPS Spreadsheets and select the affected .xlsx file.
- 2. Copy the source data: Select the source data range, click Home > Copy, create a new sheet, and paste the data.
- 3. Insert a new PivotTable: Go to Insert > PivotTable, select the pasted data range, and choose New Worksheet.
- 4. Rebuild the layout: Drag fields into Rows, Columns, and Values as they were arranged in the original PivotTable.
- 5. Set print area after refresh: Refresh the PivotTable, then click Page Layout > Print Area > Set Print Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel show "cannot obtain data from '.xlnm.Print.Area'" when refreshing a PivotTable?
Excel stores a hidden print area name that can become invalid or corrupted after data changes. A PivotTable refresh may then fail because Excel still tries to read that hidden range.
Can WPS Spreadsheets open and refresh this Excel PivotTable?
Yes. WPS Spreadsheets is compatible with .xlsx files and can open, rebuild, and refresh PivotTables. If the original PivotTable refreshes successfully in WPS, you can continue working there.
How do I set a print area in WPS Spreadsheets?
Select the desired range, go to Page Layout > Print Area, and click Set Print Area.
Will recreating the PivotTable remove my existing formatting and filters?
Yes. Recreating the layout resets formatting and filters. Rebuild the fields and apply formatting again in the new sheet or workbook.
Should I copy the data into a new workbook or just a new sheet?
A new workbook is safer if the original workbook has a corrupted hidden name. Copy the source data into a new workbook, recreate the PivotTable, and then set the print area again.
