Apparently, there are some people who report that they get the “Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again” error when they try to copy or cut data from the Excel Web app to another app. This error will be displayed inside the application instead of the actual information that was copied.
Also, this particular error is known to happen when you try to copy from an Online Office version of Excel to a desktop version. Although the error has been continuously reported for some years now, no hotfixes or patches were released by Microsoft. If you are currently struggling with this particular error, the methods below may help. We managed to identify some methods that enabled the users in a similar situation to get past this particular error. Please follow whichever solutions seem more appealing to your situation.
How to Fix “Retrieving Data. Wait a Few Seconds and Try to Cut or Copy Again” Error?
Here are some methods you can do to fix the error:
Method 1: Deselecting the data
The quickest method for this particular error is to deselect whatever you have selected, wait for a while, then copy the cells again and paste them in the external application. While this is effective in solving the error, this solution will likely turn out to be temporary.
More detail to do that:
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- In the Excel web app, you are able to deselect the select data that you are trying to copy/paste.
- Please deselect everything and then wait for a minute.
- Choose the data you want to copy again and try pasting it in the external application.
- When the Excel file completes sync, it should allow you to paste the data without any error.
- Sometimes, it may take more than one effort to fix this error.
Again, remember that this is a temporary solution. You may get this error in the future. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, just continue with the next methods.
Method 2: Opening the Web App with the desktop version of Excel
We get information that some users have been able to solve this error by exporting the file from the web app and then opening it with the Desktop version. After you manage to open the file with the desktop version, then you will be able to cut and paste freely without the error.
Here is a way to do that:
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- In the Excel Web App (or Sheets), you are able to go to File > Save as (Download As) > Microsoft Excel.
- After the file has been downloaded, you have to open it with the desktop version of Excel.
- Then, you should be able to copy and paste without the error.
If this method is not successful for you, just continue to the next solution.
Method 3: Download and open the Excel file in Microsoft Office
Here are some easy steps to do:
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- At the first step, you have to open the Excel sheet which you want to download.
- After that, click File and choose Save as (Download As).
- Now, you are able to choose Download a copy from the options.
- After the file is downloaded, simply you are able to open it with the desktop version of Excel.
- You will be able to copy/paste the data without the retrieving data error.
Warning: For this step to work, you must have Microsoft Office installed on your computer. If you do not have access to MS Office offline version, do the steps below:
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- At the first step, you have to open the Play Store on your Android phone.
- After that, search for Microsoft Excel.
- Then, tap on Install to download and install the Excel app for your mobile.
- After installing, you are able to move the downloaded file to your smartphone and open it with the app.
- You will be able to make changes to the datasheet now without any error.
Method 4: Change your web browser
According to research, some users have been able to solve this error by changing the web browser. Reportedly, this problem is more common with IE (Internet Explorer) and Edge. Now, you are able to try avoiding the error by using a different 3rd party browser.
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- If the error persists, try changing the web browser.
- The error Retrieving data. Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again error is most common on Internet Explorer.
- If you do not have any data to lose, simply you are able to close the tab and then the browser.
- Please launch a different browser and open the file in the Excel web app.
- Lastly, copy the data and try pasting it in an external application.
Now, you are able to check whether the error is solved.
Too Many Different Cell Formats in Microsoft Excel – Here’s Solution
In addition, here we will also share the solutions to fix Microsoft Excel Error: Too Many Different Cell Formats.
Solution 1: Remove All Types of Cell Formatting
Removing all types of cell formatting in the excel sheet is what you can try.
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- Firstly, open the said Excel file and press Ctrl + A keys together on your keyboard to choose all the data.
- After that, go to the Home tab at the top of the file.
- Now, from the options under the Home tab, you are able to click on Clear to expand and select Clear Formats.
Now that you have removed the contents, you will be able to add new cell formatting to the spreadsheet easily.
Solution 2: Open the Spreadsheet in an Alternative Software
There are some alternative software apps that can assist you to add unique cell formatting to such types of Excel sheets easily. From Google Sheets to LibreOffice Calc, there are many other reliable alternative software available online which support Excel file formats. That software can assist you to add more cell formatting to the Excel sheet smoothly.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
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