Microsoft Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action

Question

I'm using excel file but when I modify data or save the file, this message, "Microsoft Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action" appear and I can not do anything. This message just happen with some file and some time.

Answer 1

The error message "Microsoft Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action" generally occurs when Excel is trying to interact with another application (via Object Linking and Embedding, or OLE) and that application is either taking too long to respond or has stopped responding. This can happen intermittently, as you've described.

Here are some common reasons for this issue and solutions:

1. External Add-ins or COM Add-ins

• Some add-ins, particularly those interacting with other programs (like Adobe, antivirus software, etc.), can cause this issue.
• Solution: Disable add-ins by going to File > Options > Add-ins, then disable both Excel Add-ins and COM Add-ins to see if the issue persists. You can re-enable them one by one to find the problematic add-in.

2. Third-party Applications

• The issue may arise when Excel is trying to communicate with a third-party application that is not responding promptly.
• Solution: Close any other applications that Excel might be trying to interact with and try again. For instance, if Excel is linked to Word, PowerPoint, or a database application, ensure those are responsive.

3. Corrupted Excel File

• If the problem occurs with specific files, it might be due to file corruption or embedded objects causing problems.
• Solution: Try opening the file in Safe Mode or try repairing it. You can also copy the data into a new Excel workbook to bypass potential file corruption.

4. Large or Complex Files

• Excel may struggle with very large or complex files, especially if they contain numerous links, formulas, or embedded objects.
• Solution: Simplify the workbook by removing unnecessary links, embedded objects, or formulas. Also, try saving the file locally if it’s stored on a network drive or cloud.

5. Update Excel and Windows

• Bugs or compatibility issues between different software versions can cause this issue.
• Solution: Ensure that both Excel and your operating system are fully updated with the latest patches and updates.

6. Adjust DDE Settings

• Sometimes this issue is related to Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) settings.
• Solution: Go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to the General section, and uncheck the box that says "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)".

7. Background Processes

• Background processes, like Excel trying to connect to external databases, can hang OLE operations.
• Solution: Check Task Manager for background processes that might be related to the file or any database connections and end those processes.

8. Run Excel in Safe Mode

• Launching Excel in Safe Mode can help you determine if the issue is caused by add-ins or other settings.
• Solution: Press Windows + R, type excel /safe, and press Enter. Open the problematic file and see if the issue occurs.The error message "Microsoft Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action" generally occurs when Excel is trying to interact with another application (via Object Linking and Embedding, or OLE) and that application is either taking too long to respond or has stopped responding. This can happen intermittently, as you've described. Here are some common reasons for this issue and solutions:
  1. External Add-ins or COM Add-ins
  • Some add-ins, particularly those interacting with other programs (like Adobe, antivirus software, etc.), can cause this issue.
  • Solution: Disable add-ins by going to File > Options > Add-ins, then disable both Excel Add-ins and COM Add-ins to see if the issue persists. You can re-enable them one by one to find the problematic add-in.
  2. Third-party Applications
  • The issue may arise when Excel is trying to communicate with a third-party application that is not responding promptly.
  • Solution: Close any other applications that Excel might be trying to interact with and try again. For instance, if Excel is linked to Word, PowerPoint, or a database application, ensure those are responsive.
  3. Corrupted Excel File
  • If the problem occurs with specific files, it might be due to file corruption or embedded objects causing problems.
  • Solution: Try opening the file in Safe Mode or try repairing it. You can also copy the data into a new Excel workbook to bypass potential file corruption.
  4. Large or Complex Files
  • Excel may struggle with very large or complex files, especially if they contain numerous links, formulas, or embedded objects.
  • Solution: Simplify the workbook by removing unnecessary links, embedded objects, or formulas. Also, try saving the file locally if it’s stored on a network drive or cloud.
  5. Update Excel and Windows
  • Bugs or compatibility issues between different software versions can cause this issue.
  • Solution: Ensure that both Excel and your operating system are fully updated with the latest patches and updates.
  6. Adjust DDE Settings
  • Sometimes this issue is related to Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) settings.
  • Solution: Go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to the General section, and uncheck the box that says "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)".
  7. Background Processes
  • Background processes, like Excel trying to connect to external databases, can hang OLE operations.
  • Solution: Check Task Manager for background processes that might be related to the file or any database connections and end those processes.
  8. Run Excel in Safe Mode
  • Launching Excel in Safe Mode can help you determine if the issue is caused by add-ins or other settings.
  • Solution: Press Windows + R, type excel /safe, and press Enter. Open the problematic file and see if the issue occurs.