Some users claim to have encountered the “Retrieving data. error when attempting to cut or copy data from the Excel Web app to another programme.
Please wait a moment and try to cut or copy again. Instead of the information that was copied, this specific error will be shown inside the application.
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Method 1: Deselect the Text and Copy it Again (Temporary)
Deselecting everything, waiting a few seconds, then copying the cells once more and pasting them into the external application are the fastest fixes for this specific problem.
While this typically works to get rid of the “Retrieving data. This fix is probably only going to last a short while, so wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again.
Method 2: Launch Excel Using the Desktop Version
Exporting the file from the web app and then opening it with the desktop version has allowed some users to get around this problem. You won’t see the “Retrieving data.” message after successfully opening the file in the desktop version. error. After a brief delay, try cutting or copying again.
Here is a brief explanation of how to do it:
- Select Microsoft Excel under File > Save As (Download As) in the Excel Web App (or Sheets).
- Use Excel’s desktop application to open the file after it has been downloaded. After that, copying and pasting ought to work without the “Retrieving data. error. After a brief delay, try cutting or copying again.
Method 3: Using a Different Web Browser.
By switching web browsers, some users have been able to get around this problem. This problem is reportedly much more prevalent with IE (Internet Explorer) and Edge. Avoid clicking on the “Retrieving data. By using a different 3rd party browser, you can fix the “Wait a moment and try to cut or copy again.” error.
