while saving power query workbook, source workbook turn read only.

Question

while saving power query workbook, source workbook turn read only.

Answer 1

Hi,

When working with Power Query in Excel, saving the workbook that contains a Power Query connection may cause the source workbook to become read-only. This is intentional and serves as a precautionary measure to ensure data consistency and prevent accidental modifications to the source data.

When you establish a Power Query connection to a source workbook, Excel treats the source workbook as a read-only file to protect its integrity. This prevents any potential conflicts that may arise if the source data were modified while the Power Query connection is active.

To work around this issue, you can consider the following approaches:

1. Instead of directly connecting to the source workbook, consider creating a separate data file (e.g., CSV, Excel, or a database) that serves as the data source for Power Query. This way, the source data file remains separate and can be accessed and modified independently without affecting the Power Query workbook.
2. Power Query supports the use of parameters, which allow you to dynamically change the source file path or connection details. By utilizing parameters, you can easily switch between different source workbooks without encountering the read-only issue. This approach provides flexibility in choosing the source file while maintaining the Power Query functionality.

Best Regards.

Answer 2

Hi @Li, Ruyi /SG,

Did you mean after saving the Workbook which connect to the source Workbook, the source Workbook changed to read-only?

Did this problem appear after re-open the source Workbook?

Where did you save the source Workbook?

How did you connect to the source Workbook?

I suggest you provide more detail information about the problem so that I can get more accurate solutions to this problem. I’m glad to help and follow up your reply.

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