Function Problems

Fix Excel STOCKHISTORY #CONNECT Error and Incorrect Prices

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve persistent issues with the STOCKHISTORY function in Excel, which is failing to pull accurate financial data.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Retrieving historical stock market data into a spreadsheet using the STOCKHISTORY dynamic array function.
Observed behavior: The function returns a permanent #CONNECT! error, resource errors, and fetches stock prices that appear to be incorrect or severely outdated.

Before you start

Ensure your device is connected to a stable internet network and that Excel is not being blocked by a firewall, as the STOCKHISTORY function requires online access to Microsoft's financial data providers.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit Detailed Feedback for Microsoft Investigation

Because the #CONNECT! error is often tied to Microsoft's backend data providers (such as Refinitiv), providing specific examples directly to the Excel team is the most effective way to get the issue resolved.

STOCKHISTORY relies on cloud-based external data services. When these services fail to sync, the issue cannot always be fixed locally. Microsoft requires detailed workbooks and screenshots to identify the server-side disconnect.

Gather necessary information

Write down the affected ticker symbols, the exact STOCKHISTORY formulas you are using, the dates queried, and note the discrepancy between the returned values and the expected values.

Open the Excel Feedback tool

Open the affected workbook in Microsoft Excel, navigate to the 'Help' tab on the ribbon, and click on 'Feedback'.

Report the problem

Select 'Report a Problem', describe the #CONNECT! error in detail, and ensure you check the option to include a screenshot or attach your workbook.

Reply to the follow-up email

If you previously submitted feedback and received a follow-up email from the Excel team, reply directly to that email with your screenshots and specific examples so they can continue the investigation.

Including Contact Information: Make sure to check the box that allows Microsoft to contact you regarding your feedback so you can provide additional files if requested.

Solution 2

Force Refresh Data Connections and Calculations

Use this method to rule out temporary network glitches or local caching issues that might be preventing Excel from reaching the stock data server.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for a Stable and Reliable Spreadsheet Experience

If you are frustrated by connection errors and unstable data functions in Microsoft Excel, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet tool that perfectly supports standard Excel formulas and formats without the heavy overhead and bugs of subscription-based platforms.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office for your operating system.
2. Install and Launch: Follow the installation wizard, then open the WPS Spreadsheets application.
3. Open Your Excel File: Click 'File' > 'Open' and select your existing Excel workbook to seamlessly continue your data analysis without formatting loss.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csv files.Lightweight installation ensures fast loading and stable performance on any device.Rich built-in functions for financial analysis and reliable daily data processing.Completely free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the #CONNECT! error mean in Excel?

The #CONNECT! error typically indicates that Excel is unable to communicate with the external data provider required to fetch linked data types, such as the financial market data used by the STOCKHISTORY function.

Why is my STOCKHISTORY function returning outdated prices?

Outdated prices usually occur if the external financial data service used by Excel (like Refinitiv) is experiencing server delays, or if your workbook has failed to refresh its active internet data connections.

Can I fix the STOCKHISTORY resource errors myself?

Most of the time, resource errors with linked data types are server-side issues. While you can try checking your internet connection and clicking 'Refresh All', persistent errors must usually be reported to Microsoft so their engineers can fix the backend connection.

How do I provide screenshots to Microsoft after submitting feedback?

If you provided an email address during your initial feedback submission, Microsoft support will send a follow-up email. You can reply directly to that email thread and attach your workbooks, ticker symbols, or screenshots for their investigation.

Excel & Data Problems