How to Fix “We’re Sorry We Ran into a Problem Completing Your Request” Error in Excel?

Like any other software, Microsoft Excel is not immune to corruption or hiccups. One annoying error that users come across is “We’re sorry we ran into a problem completing your request.” It appears when trying to open an Excel spreadsheet in OneDrive. Well, in this blog, you will understand its major causes and be equipped with tried & tested solutions to fix it.

Excel we're sorry we ran into a problem completing your request

So, let’s get started…!

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What Causes We’re Sorry We Ran into a Problem Error Message?

The warning message typically occurs in Excel when there’s a glitch. This can happen due to various reasons, such as:

  1. Outdated Excel versions
  2. Corrupted system files or MS Office
  3. Faulty add-ins interfere
  4. Corrupted Excel workbook or worksheet
  5. User profile corruption
  6. Network or sync conflicts with OneDrive.

Identifying the roots is key to fixing the error quickly. Now, let’s move on to solve this.

How to Fix We’re Sorry We Ran into a Problem Completing Your Request Excel?

Follow the step-by-step methods to tackle this situation.

Solution 1- Restart MS Excel & PC

The very first step you can take is to close Excel completely and reboot your PC. After a few seconds, reopen the Excel file and check if the error persists.

Solution 2- Close the Background Apps

Sometimes, applications running in the system’s background might interfere with MS Excel software and can cause We are sorry we ran into a problem completing your request error. To tackle this situation, consider closing the unnecessary apps that are running in the background.

To do this:

  • Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • As soon as the Windows open, select the program one by one in the Processes tab and click End Task.

Close Needless Background Running Applications

  • Restart Excel and try again.

Also Read: Fix ‘Excel Ran Out of Resources While Attempting to Calculate’

Solution 3- Repair Corrupted Excel Workbook

As already mentioned in the causes, file corruption can also lead to this problem. In such a case, you can use Microsoft’s built-in Open and Repair tool to repair the corrupt Excel file.

Here’s how you can run this feature:

  • Open MS Excel >> click on File >> Open.

Repair Your Excel Workbook

  • Then, click on the Browse to choose a corrupted document.
  • Under the Open dialog box, pick the corrupted file.
  • Now, click on an arrow next to an “Open” button >> Open and Repair >> Repair button to complete the process.

Open-and-Repair

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Solution 4- Disable the Problematic Excel Add-ins

Many users have reported on community websites, this Excel error has occurred due to faulty add-ins. Hence, they fixed them by disabling those add-ins one after another.

1- Open Excel in Safe Mode to Disable Add-ins Automatically

  • Press Win + R keys to open the RUN
  • Type excel /safe, hit Enter.

Disable Add-ins

2- Disable Add-ins Manually

  • Go to File >> Options >> Add-ins option.
  • Then, click on Go next to COM Add-ins.

COM Add-ins

  • Now, uncheck all & restart Excel.

uncheck all boxes

  • After some time, re-enable one add-in at a time to find the culprit.

Solution 5- Fix We’re Sorry We Ran into A Problem Completing Your Request by Updating the Excel

Running an outdated version of Excel can trigger this annoying error and stop you from completing your spreadsheet task. In such a situation, you can opt to update the app by following the steps below:

  • Open Excel.
  • Go to File menu > Account >> Update Options.
  • Now, click on Update Now and check for the error.

We're Sorry We Ran into a Problem Completing Your Request

Solution 6- Repair MS Office

Last but not least, if none of the above solutions worked, you can try the last resort is to repair Corrupted Office files.

  • Type Control Panel in the search bar and click to open it.

Control Panel

  • Then, click on Programs >> Programs and Features.
  • Locate Microsoft Office.
  • After this, click Change >> Quick Repair.

Online Repair

  • If the issue continues, try Online Repair for a deeper fix.

Also Read: Excel “Sorry We Couldn’t Find Your File. Was It Moved Renamed or Deleted” Error!

Related FAQs:

Is It Safe to Clear Excel Cache?

Yes, it is safe to clear Excel cache, and it might clear up a syncing problem.

How to Fix We're Sorry but Excel Has Run into an Error?

To fix we're sorry but Excel has run into an error by trying the below tips:

  • Run MS Excel in Safe Mode.
  • Disable the Compatibility Mode.
  • Repair Microsoft Office Installation.

How to Remove Error Warning in Excel?

To remove error warning in Excel, navigate to the File tab >> Options >> choose Formulas. In the Error Checking, clear an Enable background error checking checkbox.

Why Does an Excel File Become Corrupted?

Excel file becomes corrupted due to various reasons such as, improper system shutdowns, virus or malware attacks, power failures, and large file sizes.

Verdict Time

Fixing we’re sorry we ran into a problem completing your request Excel error is simple once you extract the cause. Start with basic tips like restarting the app or updating the Excel version. If these fixes fail, move on to more complicated tips like repairing the installation or checking your user profile. With these methods, you’ll get back to working error-free in no time.

I hope you liked this post.



Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.