Data Types missing on Excel desktop

Question

Hi,

I recently changed organization and consequently my Office account and subscription.

Since then, I can't use the data types tool and excel doesn't recognise or update stocks data I have in my spreadsheet. It still shows the company names, but I can't update the values. Also I can't add new stocks, the Data Types tool on the ribbon is greyed out and unusable.

I checked on my online Office profile and it states that I have access to the latest version Office for desktop (Mac and PC). Also, I tried uploading my spreadsheet on Excel web and there I can update the data, the Data Types tool is available on the web based excel but not on the desktop version.

I find it odd to work through my browser and would much prefer to keep working directly via the desktop app. Is there anyway to get the Data Types function back?

I already tried signing out and back in of my office account multiple times. I checked, and my office license is valid and correctly activated. I don't know what else to try.

Currently I'm running the latest Office version: 16.59 (22031300) - Licence: Microsoft 365 Subscription

Any help is really appreciated.

Thanks.

BU

Answer 1

Hey everyone,
For you guys that have the same problem with same circumstances (Office 365 license from an education institution) you could fix this if you have pre installed the Excel prior to your new education institution license. I had Excel 2019 when the Data Types isn't showing and i had tried the Excel Web version and it showed.
In my case , first thing that i did was uninstalling every office version in my computer and reinstalled it through here https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/download-and-install-or-reinstall-microsoft-365-or-office-2021-on-a-pc-or-mac-4414eaaf-0478-48be-9c42-23adc4716658 

Second, i restarted my PC and opened my Excel, and i noticed that the loading tab for Excel changed from Excel 2019 to Excel Microsoft 365, and when you got into Excel, there is a little autosave widget on the right hand corner that could be toggled. If these are both shown, then most likely the Data Types would appear. If it doesn't appear, you could check in the ribbon customization tab https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/data-type-missing-in-excel-office-365-business/47a4d8ec-eac0-4d7d-ac63-b3717d1f8949 .

I know its frustrating and i hope it helps!

Answer 2

Thanks for the update.

.

Your solution reminded me of this following article. The key to the problem is in the name of the feature, "Linked Data Types". If for any reason (sun spots, bad weather, bad breath ...) during startup Excel cannot link to the servers providing the feature, you lose the feature with no Error or Warning message.

.

Since the Linked Data TYypes feature has been part of main stream 365 for a couple years, it should no longer be subject to MS's "phased roll out" problems, where MS controls who gets to see the feature.

Trouble shoot: Fix Excel when Stock and Geography data types go missing2019 08 15

https://office-watch.com/2019/fix-excel-when-stock-and-geography-data-types-go-missing/

When the Stock and Geography data types disappear from the Data ribbon in Excel here’s how to fix and restore Linked Data Types.

The Data ribbon is missing the entire ‘Data Types’ section.

We’ve had several reports from Office-Watch.com readers who start Excel 365 and find that their Stock and Geography linked data worksheets won’t work. It’s happened to us a few times!

MS's description of the feature in this article mentions that the feature requires to connect to a separate server to supply the feature:

Excel data types: Stocks and geography https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/excel-data-types-stocks-and-geography-61a33056-9935-484f-8ac8-f1a89e210877 Includes this line

<snip>

These two data types are considered linked data types because they have a connection to an online data source. That connection allows you to bring back rich, interesting information that you can work with and refresh.

</snip>

Answer 3

Hi Rohnski2,

Actually, previously in this thread, we checked the articles you just posted and verified that both mine, and another guy's connection to Microsoft servers was working just fine, but still we didn't get to use the Linked Data Types.

Although I can't say for sure and it's just my 2 cents, it looks like the Data Types function was limited on some accounts, possibly because of an incorrect reading of the kind of Office licence. Basically, although I have Office 365 subscription, my Excel was working as if it was a no-subscription licence.

Still, that's just pure speculation right here.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, I don't know if that server check includes the linked data types servers, I suspect not.

.

You say it acts like a no subscription version. How did you make that assessment? Do you try some of the new functions or features?

.

For example, look for the "Navigation Pane" as described on this page under the Dec 2021 update: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-s-new-in-excel-for-microsoft-365-5fdb9208-ff33-45b6-9e08-1f5cdb3a6c73 If you can see the Navigation Pane, then you have 365, even if you can't see the Linked Data Types.

Answer 5

To determine your license type go to the menu bar in Excel. Choose Excel > About Microsoft Excel. If you have a subscription license, it will say so.

A common non-subscription type is Volume License.