What is causing the “Data source reference is not valid” Error in Excel?
We investigated this particular error message by looking at various user reports and the repair steps that they followed in order to resolve the issue. As it turns out, there are several common culprits that will end up triggering this particular error message: If you’re currently struggling to resolve the Data source reference is not valid error, this article will provide you with several troubleshooting steps that will help you identify the problem that is triggering the error message. Below you’ll find a collection of methods that other users in a similar situation have used to get this resolved. For the best results, follow the methods in the order that they are presented. You should eventually stumble upon a fix that will be effective in your particular scenario. Let’s begin!
Method 1: Removing brackets from the file name
One of the most popular reasons that will end up triggering the Data source reference is not valid error is an incorrect Excel file name. If the reports are generated by a report automation system and the name contains forbidden characters like square brackets ‘[]‘, you’ll get this error message whenever you try to create a PivotTable. If this scenario is applicable to your current situation, you will be able to resolve the issue by modifying the name of the .xlsx file to remove the forbidden characters. Here’s a quick guide on doing this: If you’re still encountering the Data source reference is not valid error or this method wasn’t applicable to your particular scenario, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Saving the file on the local disk
This issue might also occur if you are opening a file directly from a website or directly from an email attachment. In this case, the file will be opened from a temporary file, which will end up triggering the Data source reference is not valid error. If this scenario is applicable to your current scenario, you will be able to resolve the issue by saving the Excel file to a local drive first. So, before attempting to create the Pivot table, go to File > Save as and save the file on a physical location (on your local drive). Once the Excel file has been locally saved, recreate the steps that were previously triggering the Data source reference is not valid error and see if you can create the Pivots table without encountering the error. If this method wasn’t applicable to your current situation, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Ensuring that the range exists and it’s defined
Another reason why you might encounter the “Data source reference is not valid.” error when trying to insert a Pivot Table is a non-existing / not defined range. To put this into perspective, let’s say that you’re trying to create PivotTable. Naturally, you go to Insert PivoTable, you select the toggle associated with Select a table or range and set the Table/Range to ‘test’. Now, if you’ve based the values on the ‘test’ range and it doesn’t exist, you will see the “Data source reference is not valid.” error as soon as you click Ok. If this scenario is applicable, you will be able to work-around the issue by defining a range before attempting to create a pivot table. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this.
If this scenario was not applicable or you’re still encountering the Data source reference is not valid error even after performing the steps above, move down to the next method below.
Method 4: Ensuring that the reference for the named range is valid
Even if you have successfully defined the range but you are still seeing the Data source reference is not valid error, chances are you’re seeing the message because the named range is referring to some cells whose values aren’t valid. To rectify this, go to Formulaes > Name Manager and see if the range is referring to the cells that you want to analyse through the pivot table. If you see any inconsistencies, use the Refer to: box to make the switch to the correct value. Once the modifications are made, attempt to create a Pivot Table again and see if you’re still seeing the same error message.
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