'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel Data Model Error When Using Refresh All
Question details
The user encounters a Data Model error in Excel when attempting to refresh all PivotTables at once, despite individual refreshes working perfectly.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Clicking 'Refresh All' to update multiple PivotTables or Power BI connections simultaneously within a workbook.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a Data Model error and fails to update the data in bulk, whereas refreshing each PivotTable individually succeeds without triggering the error.
Create a duplicate copy of your Excel workbook to safely test changes without risking permanent data loss to your original Data Model.
Isolate and Recreate the Problematic Connection
Identify which specific query or connection is causing the Data Model to fail during a bulk refresh.
When 'Refresh All' fails but individual refreshes work, the issue is often caused by a single corrupted connection or query conflict within the Data Model.
Navigate to the Data tab in the Excel ribbon and click on 'Queries & Connections' to open the side pane.
Hover over each connection in the list and click the refresh icon one by one. Take note of which connection triggers the Data Model error.
Right-click the problematic connection, select 'Delete', and then recreate the data link or Power Query from scratch.
Review and Disconnect Power BI Links
Check if an external Power BI connection is interfering with the internal Excel Data Model.
Rebuild the Data Model in a New Workbook
Use this method if the current workbook's Data Model is fundamentally corrupted.
Experience Hassle-Free Data Analysis with WPS Office
If Microsoft Excel's Data Model continues to crash during bulk refreshes, try WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight environment for managing PivotTables and everyday data analysis without the complex processing overhead.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing .xlsx workbook.
- 3. Manage Data Easily: Use the built-in PivotTable tools under the Data tab to analyze and refresh your information smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'Refresh All' cause an error while individual refreshes work?
The 'Refresh All' command triggers multiple data queries simultaneously. This can overload a corrupted Data Model or cause conflicts between connected sources, whereas refreshing individually processes the data sequentially without conflict.
Does removing Power BI connections permanently fix the Data Model?
It can fix the issue if the Power BI link is the root cause of the conflict. However, if the error stems from an internal Power Query issue, you will need to identify and repair that specific query.
How can I quickly find which query is causing the refresh error?
The most reliable method is to open the Queries & Connections pane, hover over each item, and manually refresh them one by one until the Data Model error pops up.
