How to: Update a Work Item List from a Query

When you work with work items in Microsoft Excel, the type of work item list you choose affects how the work item list is refreshed from the work item database.

• Query list   When you create a query list, refreshing the work item list updates what work items are in the list and the information for the work items. In the work item list header, under Query, query lists contain the name of the query to which they are connected.

• Input list   When you create an input list, refreshing the work item list updates only the information for the work items already in the list. In the work item list header, under Query, input lists contain [none].

Warning

When you change from an input list to a query list, the work items you have added to the list will be replaced with the work items that match the query.

Required Permissions

To perform these procedures, you must be a member of the Contributors group or have the View work items in this node and Edit work items in this node permissions set to Allow. For more information, see Team Foundation Server Permissions.

To update a work item list from a query

1. From Team Explorer, open the work item list in Microsoft Excel.

2. Ensure that the work item list is a query list, and that it is pointing to the correct query.

   If the work item header, under Query, lists a query name, it is a query list. If you want to change to a query list, follow these steps:

   Warning

   When you change from an input list to a query list, the work items that you have added to the list will be replaced with the work items in the query.

   1. On the Team tab, in the Work Items group, click Configure List.

      Note

      In Microsoft Office Excel 2003, use the Team menu.

   2. Choose Refresh from query, and select a query.

   3. Click Apply.

      The query header lists the query that is used to update the work item list.

3. On the Team tab, in the Work Items group, click Refresh.

   The work item list is updated with the work items in the selected query.

   Note

   In Microsoft Office Excel 2003, use the Team menu.

See Also

Tasks

How to: Create a Work Item List

How to: Upload a Document in Team Explorer

How to: Publish or Refresh Work Items in Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Project