Security Warning: External Data Connections Disabled in Excel

When attempting to open an Excel spreadsheet, users may encounter an error message stating, “External Data Connections have been disabled.” This issue arises when Excel is unable to retrieve certain settings, such as data connections, linked data types, dynamic data exchange, Microsoft Query files, and others. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes and solutions to this error, ensuring uninterrupted work with Excel.

Causes of the Error Message

The “External Data Connections have been disabled” error in Excel can be attributed to several factors:

1. Disabled Security Settings: Excel’s security settings may be configured to block external data connections, preventing the program from accessing data from external sources.
2. Group Policy Restrictions: If the organization’s Group Policy settings are configured to restrict external data connections, users may encounter this error when attempting to access external data within Excel.
3. Corrupted Registry Entries: In some cases, corrupted or incorrect registry entries related to external data connections can also trigger this error message.

Solutions to Resolve the Error

To resolve the “External Data Connections have been disabled” error in Excel, users can employ the following methods:

1. Adjust Excel Options

   • Open Excel and navigate to “File” > “Options.”
   • Select the “Trust Center” tab and click on “Trust Center Settings.”
   • Under the “External Content” tab, locate the “Security settings for Data Connections” section.
   • Choose the “Prompt user about Data Connections” option.
   • Uncheck the “Always block the connection of untrusted Microsoft Query files” checkbox.
   • Click “OK” to save the changes.

2. Disable Group Policy Setting

   • Press “Win+R” to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “gpedit.msc” and click “OK” to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
   • Navigate to “User Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Microsoft Excel 2016” > “Excel Options” > “Security” > “Trust Center” > “External Content.”
   • Double-click on “Always prevent untrusted Microsoft Query files from opening.”
   • Select the “Not Configured” option.
   • Click “OK” to save the changes.

3. Delete or Modify Registry Value

   • Press “Win+R” to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “regedit” and click “OK” to open the Registry Editor.
   • Navigate to the following path:
     HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\excel\security\external content
   • Right-click on the “enableblockunsecurequeryfiles” REG_DWORD value and select “Delete.”
   • Alternatively, double-click on the “enableblockunsecurequeryfiles” REG_DWORD value, enter “0” as the Value data, and click “OK.”
   • Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.

By implementing these solutions, users can re-enable external data connections in Excel, allowing them to access and work with data from external sources without encountering the “External Data Connections have been disabled” error message.

FAQ

What causes the “External Data Connections have been disabled” error in Excel?

This error can occur due to disabled security settings in Excel, restrictive Group Policy settings, or corrupted registry entries related to external data connections.

How can I resolve this error by adjusting Excel options?

To resolve the error through Excel options:
– Open Excel and navigate to “File” > “Options” > “Trust Center” > “Trust Center Settings.”
– Under the “External Content” tab, choose “Prompt user about Data Connections” and uncheck the “Always block the connection of untrusted Microsoft Query files” checkbox.
– Click “OK” to save the changes.

What steps should I take to disable the Group Policy setting related to this error?

To disable the relevant Group Policy setting:
– Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
– Navigate to “User Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Microsoft Excel 2016” > “Excel Options” > “Security” > “Trust Center” > “External Content.”
– Double-click on “Always prevent untrusted Microsoft Query files from opening” and select “Not Configured.”
– Click “OK” to save the changes.

How can I delete or modify the registry value associated with this error?

To delete or modify the registry value:
– Open the Registry Editor (regedit).
– Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\excel\security\external content.
– Right-click on the “enableblockunsecurequeryfiles” REG_DWORD value and select “Delete.”
– Alternatively, double-click on the value, enter “0” as the Value data, and click “OK.”
– Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.