I have Excel 2013 documents that connect to external data sources such as SQL Server, Azure SQL and OData feeds. I uploaded them to OneDrive to provide an embedded document on a site that I'm creating. They used to work perfectly. I could embed and open the document and also refresh data using the connections while opened in the browser.
Problem is, recently, I noticed that the "Refresh Connections" feature has been failing. I've been encountering these errors:
"This workbook contains external data connections or BI features that are not supported."
"We were unable to refresh one or more data connections in this workbook."
I haven't edited anything in these files but they do not refresh anymore. The only difference I see is that they're now opening with Excel Online when they used to open with Excel Web App. I know Excel Web Apps was just renamed to Excel Online but could there be breaking changes also?
Also... I tried creating new documents connected to other external data sources (OData feed and SQL Server) and uploading them to OneDrive but found that those too cannot be refreshed online anymore. I've seen articles that say external data sources are supported but I can't implement them anymore. This recently published Excel Online Feature list clearly states that refreshing external data sources is possible.
Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
--------------
More details on how I create my documents (for anyone who will try to replicate):
- On Excel 2013, click Data tab > (Get External Data) From Other Sources > From OData Data Feed
- Input an OData feed source (ex. http://services.odata.org/V3/Northwind/Northwind.svc/Customers) > Next
- Check box for Customers > Next
- Input friendly name for connection > Finish
- Select Table > Ok
* I don't mess with the default properties of the connection - When data loads, delete some of the records to test if the connection could be refreshed online.
- Save and upload to OneDrive
- Open document from OneDrive (should open with Excel Online) > Data tab > Refresh All Connections
By now, the refresh has failed.