Why Excel Keeps Merge Columns Getting and How to Fix It

When Office stops working as expected, start with the shortest official checks before you reinstall anything.

Problem Description: Powerquery Merge Columns Getting

Hi all. Can anyone help me with this issue? I have an Excel sheet with a lot of information in the format of an invoice with MANY hidden rows / columns and data in different places. Good for printing, horrible for analysis. I get one every month and as it is transport invoices, the charges vary in amount and type and quantity. Each invoice has a unique "job", and I want to be able to filter on destination, loading, mode, weight, volume, all the charges type and total value. The aim is to get an overview of how much I pay for each destination and also how much I send and the different charges. I got the Excel sheet in to PowerQuery and have now 6 columns and I am stuck. I have Columns as attached photo and I want all the label-data in column and the calue in another, but I cannot seem to get it to do that without merging mode and job, since it is on the same line. The ultimate goal is that this PowerQuery will run and take the file each time and give me the overview when I press a button... Please help. 

Quick Answer for Power Query Problems Quick Fix

Use Power Query's Fill Down feature on the Job/Mode columns to associate every row with the correct Job ID.

Likely Causes Behind Office Failure Patterns

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger power query problems.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Repairing Office Startup Issues

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Filter out nulls or rows without the needed charge labels, then use Pivot Column on the Label column to transform data into a single record per job.

Alternative Solutions for Fallback Options for Power Query Problems

1. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

2. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: Editing Files in WPS During Power Query Problems

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

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Prevention Tips for Smooth Office Device Transfers

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Document exact error messages before the next troubleshooting attempt.

FAQs About Power Query Problems Help Topics

Can WPS Office fix this power query problems issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Office before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.