'%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 Types Not Refreshing (Temporary Server Error)
Question details
The user encounters a 'temporary server error' message when attempting to refresh data types in an Excel workbook.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Updating or refreshing linked data types (such as Stocks or Geography) in an Excel workbook to retrieve the latest information.
- Observed behavior
- The linked data types fail to refresh and instead display a temporary server error, preventing the spreadsheet from fetching new data.
Ensure that your device has an active, stable internet connection and that you are signed into the correct Microsoft 365 account associated with your Office subscription.
Verify Network Connection and Microsoft 365 Service Health
Use this solution to rule out widespread server outages or local internet connection drops, which are the most common causes for data refresh failures.
Excel data types rely heavily on Microsoft's cloud services to pull real-time information. If the servers are experiencing an outage, the refresh will fail regardless of your local settings.
Open a web browser and load a reliable website to confirm that your local internet connection is active and stable.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center or search for the 'Microsoft 365 Service Health status' page online to check if there are any ongoing incidents affecting Excel or Microsoft cloud services.
Update Microsoft Excel to the Latest Version
Outdated software can lead to broken communication between Excel and Microsoft's data servers. Updating ensures you have the latest bug fixes.
Test on a Different Network and Report the Issue
Isolating the issue to a specific device or network helps determine if a firewall or local configuration is blocking the connection.
Try WPS Office for Reliable Spreadsheet Management
If Microsoft Excel continues to experience server errors and disrupts your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for managing spreadsheets, importing offline data, and handling complex workbooks without relying heavily on background server refreshes.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software, then launch WPS Spreadsheets.
- 3. Open your Workbook: Click 'Open' and select your existing .xlsx file to continue managing your data offline without server interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel show a temporary server error when refreshing data types?
Excel data types (like Stocks or Geography) rely on Microsoft's online services to pull real-time information. If those servers are down, undergoing maintenance, or if your local network is unstable, Excel cannot retrieve the updated data and displays this error.
How can I check if the issue is with Microsoft 365 servers?
You can verify the status by visiting the official Microsoft 365 Service Health dashboard online, or by checking the official Microsoft 365 Status account on X (formerly Twitter) to see if there are any known widespread outages.
Can I continue working on my workbook while the server is down?
Yes. The existing data in your workbook will remain intact and completely visible. You simply will not be able to fetch the latest updates for your linked data types until the server connection is restored.
Does updating Excel help resolve data type errors?
Yes, occasionally data types fail to refresh due to bugs or deprecated service endpoints in older versions of the software. Updating to the latest version of Microsoft 365 ensures your application can successfully connect to current server protocols.
