How to Fix the Issue of Data Source Pivot Table Greyed Out When Changing Sources

The ‘Change Data Source’ option on the Pivot Table is greyed out because the data source is currently locked.

change data source pivot table greyed out

The inability to change the data source of a pivot table is a common issue when working in Microsoft Excel. The “Change Data Source” option can become greyed out and unusable, making it impossible to alter the source of data for that pivot table. This issue typically occurs when users attempt to switch from an external data source, such as a web service or database connection, to another type of data. To fix this issue, users must first disconnect the existing data source and then switch to their desired one. Fortunately, reconnecting to the original data source is just as easy afterward.

Understanding Change Data Source Option in Pivot Table

Change Data Source option in Microsoft Excel is a useful feature that allows users to easily modify the source data range for an existing pivot table. This helps save time and effort by avoiding having to manually recreate the entire table. Change Data Source option is available in the Options drop-down menu of a pivot table. It can be accessed by selecting Change Data Source from the Options tab of the ribbon.

The Change Data Source window provides options to change both the source data range and/or worksheet for the pivot table. It also allows you to choose between This Worksheet and Another Worksheet as your source range, allowing you to quickly switch between two different data sources without having to create a new pivot table each time.

Troubleshooting Greyed Out Change Data Source in Pivot Table

At times, the Change Data Source option may be greyed out or unclickable, making it impossible to modify the existing pivot table. This can be due to several issues, such as a corrupt file or incorrect references within the existing sheet. It is important to check for these issues before attempting to change data sources. Additionally, there may be some essential steps missing prior to changing data sources that can cause this issue as well.

Reasons Behind Greyed Out Change Data Source Option in Pivot Table

One of the most common reasons that can cause the greyed out Change Data Source option is visibility issues with row labels. If your row labels are not visible on your sheet, then Excel will not recognize them and will not allow you to modify them via the Change Data Source window. Additionally, if there are any unlocked cells within your spreadsheet sheet, then this can also cause this issue as well. Therefore, it is important that all cells are locked prior to attempting any changes with your pivot tables or their source data ranges.

Understanding the Linked Workbook Issue with Change Data Source Option

Another common issue when trying to use the Change Data Source option on a pivot table is linked workbooks or incorrect links configured in your Excel file. If you have linked workbooks from other locations or if they are closed when attempting changes with your pivot tables then this could cause problems when trying to modify their source ranges via the Change Data Source window. Additionally, if you have same origin workbooks open at once then this could also prevent you from changing data sources as they cannot both be open at once due to conflicts between them and their linked worksheets and ranges within them.

Fixing Varying Issues with Greyed Out Pivot Table Change Data Source

In order fix varying issues with greyed out Pivot Table change data source options, there are several steps one should take before attempting changes with their source ranges again: checking and refreshing their Excel Cache setting; unchecking Refresh on Open Excel setting; ensuring no rows labels are invisible; and ensuring all cells within spreadsheet sheets are locked prior to making any changes with their Pivot Tables or their source ranges via change data source window. Additionally, checking for any corrupt files or incorrect references should also be done beforehand as these can prevent users from accessing this feature properly as well

Finding Workaround to Select another Set of Data for Your Pivot Tables

One of the most common issues with pivot tables is when the Change Data Source option is greyed out. This can be very frustrating, especially when you need to update your data source and you dont have any other options. Fortunately, there are a few workarounds that can help you get around this problem.

The first workaround is to simply copy the existing pivot table and create a new one. This will allow you to select a new data source without having to worry about the Change Data Source option being greyed out. This is a great option if you dont want to have to mess with any advanced settings or if you just want a quick fix.

Another workaround is to use refreshable connections for external ODBC data sources. This requires using Power Query or another type of tool to connect your data source to your pivot table, but it can be done and it gives you more control over how your data is updated. It also allows you to use the Change Data Source option without it being greyed out.

Working With PowerPivot to Create a New Datasource for Your Pivots

If you need more control over how your data source is updated, then using PowerPivot may be the best option for you. PowerPivot allows you to create a new data source that can be used with your pivot tables without having the Change Data Source option greyed out.

When working with PowerPivot, there are some important factors that should be taken into consideration. For example, make sure that all of your data sources are compatible with each other before connecting them together in PowerPivot. Additionally, make sure that all of the columns in each table are properly mapped and labeled so they can be properly joined in PowerPivot. Finally, make sure that any formulas or calculations being used in your pivot table are written correctly so they produce accurate results when used in combination with PowerPivot.

By taking these steps into consideration while working with PowerPivot, you should be able to create a new data source for your pivots without having the Change Data Source option greyed out.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What does Change Data Source mean in Pivot Table?
A: Change Data Source is an option in a pivot table that allows you to select a different set of data from the original source to be used in the table. This option can be accessed from the PivotTable Tools tab when a pivot table is selected.

Q: How do I fix a greyed out Change Data Source option in Pivot Table?
A: There are several reasons why the Change Data Source option may be greyed out, such as row labels visibility issue, unlocked cells in spreadsheet sheet, or linked workbook issue. To troubleshoot this problem, you should check and refresh the Excel cache setting, uncheck refresh on open Excel setting, and make sure all essential steps are taken before changing data source.

Q: What is PowerPivot and how can I use it?
A: PowerPivot is an Excel feature that allows users to create powerful data models from multiple sources quickly and easily. It provides powerful calculation tools and features such as Power Query for creating new datasets, DAX formulas for creating custom calculations, and Power View for interactive visualization. To use it, you will need to enable the feature in your Excel version first.

Q: Is there any workaround if I can’t access the Change Data Source option?
A: If you are unable to access the Change Data Source option due to any reasons then you can try copying the existing pivot table and creating a new one using different data source or refreshing connections for external ODBC datasource. You can also consider using PowerPivot to create a new datasource for your pivots as an alternative solution.

Q: What are essential steps missing before changing data source?
A: Before changing data source for your pivot table it is important to ensure that all necessary steps have been taken prior such as checking if any row labels visibility issue exists or if any unlocked cells are present in spreadsheet sheet. You should also make sure that no linked workbook issue exists and that all links configured are correct before attempting to change data source.

The ‘change data source pivot table greyed out’ issue is a common problem that can be easily solved by refreshing the data source, checking the connection type of the data source, or by creating a new pivot table. The most important factor in resolving this issue is to ensure that all data sources are connected properly and consistently. With this approach, users should be able to successfully resolve their ‘change data source pivot table greyed out’ issue.