Sharable Excel file not loading

Copper Contributor

I created an excel file and sent a Sharable link to a coworker.  He opens the file, I see that he has accessed it, however his screen is blank and he can't see anything.  Help please

1 Reply

@Bucko1229 

 If your coworker is unable to see anything when opening a sharable Excel file, there could be a few possible reasons for this issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

  1. File Permissions: Ensure that the file permissions are set correctly to allow your coworker to view the file. Double-check that the sharing settings for the Excel file are properly configured, and that your coworker has the necessary permissions to access and view the file.
  2. File Format Compatibility: Verify that the Excel file is saved in a compatible file format that can be opened by your coworker's version of Excel. For example, if you are using a newer version of Excel and saved the file in the .xlsx format, your coworker might need to have a compatible version of Excel or a compatible software program to open it. If needed, try saving the file in a different format, such as .xls or .csv, and see if that resolves the issue.
  3. Internet Connectivity: Ensure that both you and your coworker have a stable internet connection. A poor or intermittent internet connection could prevent the file from loading properly. If the issue persists, try accessing the file on a different network or checking for any network connectivity issues.
  4. File Size or Complexity: If the Excel file is large or contains complex formulas, charts, or formatting, it could take longer to load, especially if your coworker's device has limited resources. In this case, try simplifying the file by removing any unnecessary elements, reducing the file size, or splitting it into multiple sheets or workbooks to make it more manageable.
  5. Clear Cache and Refresh: Ask your coworker to try clearing their browser cache or refreshing the page where the Excel file is accessed. Cached data or temporary files might be causing the display issue. Clearing the cache and refreshing the page can help load the latest version of the file.
  6. Alternative File Sharing: If the problem persists, consider using an alternative method to share the Excel file. Instead of a sharable link, you can try sending the file as an email attachment or using a cloud storage service (such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox) to share the file with your coworker.

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it might be helpful to gather more information about your coworker's setup, such as the version of Excel they are using, their device and operating system, and any error messages they encounter. This information can assist in troubleshooting the problem further or seeking additional support.