UPLOAD BLOCKED

Question

I have been using Microsoft Excel for years, all of a sudden I find that I am missing data for last 3 months.

I WAS connected to AutoSave at all times, however I now get the message that UPLOAD BLOCKED, not denied or failed, but BLOCKED, WHY??

What do I do (in simple, non technical language) to recover all missing data?

Answer 1

Hi , Thank you for reaching out!

My name is Stefano and it’s my pleasure to assist you today.

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The message “Upload blocked” usually means Excel stopped syncing your file to the cloud (OneDrive/SharePoint), so your recent changes never got saved online.

Considering that AutoSave only works if the file is saved in Microsoft OneDrive check if your recent changes stayed only on your computer, not in the cloud.

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Keep me posted.

Regards,

Stefano

Answer 2

I’ve got you. Dealing with data loss is a nightmare, especially when you’ve done everything right like keeping AutoSave on. Here is a professional, empathetic, and clear response you can send to that person.

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Professional Response

"I am so sorry to hear about the missing data; I can only imagine how stressful it is to lose three months of work.

The 'UPLOAD BLOCKED' message usually means your Excel application lost its 'handshake' with the cloud (OneDrive). Even though you were working, the changes were being saved to a temporary 'waiting room' on your computer instead of being sent to the internet. Because the connection was blocked (usually due to a needed password update or a full storage), those changes never made it to the final file.

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you recover your data:

1. Save a 'Safety Copy' Immediately

Before doing anything else, go to File > Save As and save your current file to your Desktop (not OneDrive). Name it something like 'Recovery_Backup'. This ensures that whatever you have open right now is safe while we troubleshoot.

2. Check the Version History

Microsoft often keeps 'snapshots' of your file.

• Open the original file from OneDrive.

Click on the File tab, then select Info.

Click on Version History.

A list will appear on the right. Look for a version from a few days or weeks ago. Click Open version to see if your data is there.

3. Search for Unsaved Files

Excel might have kept a local emergency backup.

Go to File > Info.

Click the Manage Workbook button.

Select Recover Unsaved Workbooks.

Look for any files ending in .asb or .xlsb with recent dates and try opening them.

4. Check the Office Document Cache

Since the upload was 'Blocked,' the data might still be sitting in your computer's 'outbox.'

Search your Windows search bar for 'Office Upload Center'.

Open it and look for your file in the list.

If it’s there, you might see an option to 'Resolve' or 'Save a copy.'

5. To Fix the 'Blocked' Status

Once you have hopefully recovered your data, you need to clear the blockage:

Go to File > Account.

Under User Information, click Sign Out, then Sign In again. This usually refreshes the connection and clears the 'Blocked' error.

Pro-Tip: If you ever see a yellow or red warning bar at the top of Excel in the future, stop working immediately and save a local copy to your Desktop. It’s the safest way to prevent this from happening again."I’ve got you. Dealing with data loss is a nightmare, especially when you’ve done everything right like keeping AutoSave on. Here is a professional, empathetic, and clear response you can send to that person.

---

Professional Response

"I am so sorry to hear about the missing data; I can only imagine how stressful it is to lose three months of work.

The 'UPLOAD BLOCKED' message usually means your Excel application lost its 'handshake' with the cloud (OneDrive). Even though you were working, the changes were being saved to a temporary 'waiting room' on your computer instead of being sent to the internet. Because the connection was blocked (usually due to a needed password update or a full storage), those changes never made it to the final file.

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you recover your data:

1. Save a 'Safety Copy' Immediately

Before doing anything else, go to File > Save As and save your current file to your Desktop (not OneDrive). Name it something like 'Recovery_Backup'. This ensures that whatever you have open right now is safe while we troubleshoot.

2. Check the Version History

Microsoft often keeps 'snapshots' of your file.

Open the original file from OneDrive.

Click on the File tab, then select Info.

Click on Version History.

A list will appear on the right. Look for a version from a few days or weeks ago. Click Open version to see if your data is there.

3. Search for Unsaved Files

Excel might have kept a local emergency backup.

Go to File > Info.

Click the Manage Workbook button.

Select Recover Unsaved Workbooks.

Look for any files ending in .asb or .xlsb with recent dates and try opening them.

4. Check the Office Document Cache

Since the upload was 'Blocked,' the data might still be sitting in your computer's 'outbox.'

Search your Windows search bar for 'Office Upload Center'.

Open it and look for your file in the list.

If it’s there, you might see an option to 'Resolve' or 'Save a copy.'

5. To Fix the 'Blocked' Status

Once you have hopefully recovered your data, you need to clear the blockage:

Go to File > Account.

Under User Information, click Sign Out, then Sign In again. This usually refreshes the connection and clears the 'Blocked' error.

Pro-Tip: If you ever see a yellow or red warning bar at the top of Excel in the future, stop working immediately and save a local copy to your Desktop. It’s the safest way to prevent this from happening again."