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Excel Background Error : Bad Request - Request Too Long HTTP Error 400. The size of the request headers is too long.

Anonymous
2024-01-18T03:44:34+00:00

I am trying to add a background to one of my excel worksheets. I have successfully added a background to it a few days ago by using the "Background" button in the ribbon under the Page Layout tab. There were no issues at that time.

But today I wanted to delete that background and select another to replace it. So I used the same button in the ribbon that now had the delete option for the button. I clicked it and the background was deleted. But when I went back to the button, which now had the option for "Background" enabled, I got the following error message...

Bad Request - Request too long.
HTTP Error 400. The size of the request headers is too long.

I have cleared my cache and restarted excel as well as my computer. However, the problem persists and is evidently systemic to the application as this error occurs in all workbooks whether new or saved.

What is the problem here?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-02-02T07:42:44+00:00

    I found the following solution on a similar thread:

    File > Account > Manage Settings (under Account Privacy) > Disable "Turn on optional connected experience" > restart Excel,

    This worked for me.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-03T17:47:57+00:00

    I am also having this issue when trying to add or replace a background image into Excel. I don't find the option "Turn on optional connected experience" in Manage Settings.

    Could you provide a screenshot of where this option is please?

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-02T17:36:22+00:00

    This worked for me! Thank you! However, I wonder about the side effects of doing so, like ability to use Copilot.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-02-01T17:59:51+00:00

    I have the same issue. I have been on 2 chats with support, and it is being escalated to level 2 support, where I will receive a call tomorrow. I'll keep y'all in the loop to find the resolution!

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-30T10:47:15+00:00

    I am also having this issue when trying to add a background image into Excel. I have tried to uninstall and reinstall. I have also tried it on different files to see if it was related to the file.

    I am using Windows 11 and Office 365.

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