Excel 2016: Initialization of the data source failed when other users try to update

Rosen Dimov 1 Reputation point
2022-07-08T09:50:54.537+00:00

Hello,

I used Power Query to set up a query from two folders on my system. It basically just adds the excel data from every file in these folders into two separate tables in the main file.
Data --> New Query --> From File --> From Folder.

When I try to update the query everything works flawlessly. But when others try to refresh the data they get an error message saying:

Initialization of the data source failed. Check the database server or contact your database administrator. Make sure the external database is still available, and then try the operation again. If you see this message again, create a new data source to connect to the database

and then

The following data range failed to refresh:
ExternalData_1

The two folders are on a public hard drive where the whole company has access to.

The Office version we are both using is Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2016.

I tried to search for any permissions or possible problems but I couldn't find anything useful.

What could be the problem?

Thank you in advance.

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Excel Management
Excel Management
Excel: A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. Emi Zhang-MSFT 22,011 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2022-07-11T02:37:25.133+00:00

    Hi @Rosen Dimov ,
    Did the problem Workbook also saved in the shared folder?
    Or did you send the Workbook to others PC?
    In my opinion, it seems the access permission problem.
    Try to created the connection with the Administrator account.
    Then, save the Workbook in the shared folder and check the result.

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