List export to excel - Unable to modify excel file (column in read-only mode)

Question

Hello,

 

i'm using Sharepoint and when i export to excel some list, i can't add line to excel file. I got an error message which translation is "The column <name_of_the_column> is in read-only mode which can't be modified" (original message : "La colonne <nom_de_colonne> est en lecture seule qui ne peut pas être modifiée").

 

Editing doesn't work with Task List, Link List, Custom List but it's works with Issue Traking list !!!???...which is very surprising !

 

Anyone as an idea ?

 

Answer 1

This is a read only file, therefore you can not edit this file at least as far as I know in Excel 2003.  In 2007 it might be a tad different.  Are you using Office 2003 or 2007?

Answer 2

This works fine with 2007, however it doesn't work with 2003.

 

How are you deciding that the file is read-only?  Sharepoint exports the iqy> you open this in excel>excel connects to get the list data from sharepoint.  Why at this point is the file read-only if the data exists on my computer?

 

This issue can be worked around by copying all of the cells from the excel file to another worksheet, however I would really like to understand why this even happens in the first place.

 

thanks!

 

Answer 3

i'm using office 2003.

but modification is possible with bug list and not with task list.... i don't understand why there is a difference between those types of lists ?.?

 

Answer 4

F@b,

 

I have the same problem! It just started happening :

 

1. From the pull down menu I select "Export to Spreadsheet"

2. I open the owssvr.iqy file

3. When I try to change, add or delete a cell it I get the same error you described above

4. I have also saved the file to my hard drive and I experience the same error

5. If I break the link all is well, but I don’t want to do this.

 

I have full control on this site, I also created the document, and everyone has this problem.  That is other the 2007 user they can edit the document but can not sync it to SharePoint.

 

My administrator is stumped have you found an answer? Can anyone help?

 

gm

 

 

Answer 5

I have the same problem

I'm using Office 2003 and before SP3 was insstalled everything was oke.

The probloem lies in SP3 as soon as you install it you have that problem.

I have removed and installed Office 2003 again and everything is oke.

 

Answer 6

 

I have the same problem too, but it was working to me even with sp3 installed. And don't know why suddenly doesn't allow me to edit the spreadsheet anymore.

 

Is there any fix or work around, instead of remove the sp3?

 

Answer 7

One possible reason for this is that you have checkin/checkout or approval set for the list you are trying to edit.

 

Make sure the setting for the list do not require either checkout or approval.

 

HTH, Vince

http://blog.thekid.me.uk

 

Answer 8

I finally find the following works for me. why not give it a try.

 

Actions -> Edit in DataSheet -> Actions -> Task Pane

 

it will show some Office Links on the right hand side, The first one is "Export and Link to Excel", click that and you can edit the spreadsheet , save and sync.

 

 

 

Answer 9

If have tried it and it works. So for the time being we can work with it.

We have asked Microsoft why the normal way isn't working any more bit still no answer.

As soon as we have this answer I will post it here.

Answer 10

where do you access this "Actions -> Edit in DataSheet -> Actions -> Task Pane"

is it on Sharepoint or excel??

 

tnx

Answer 11

Have you hear anything from Microsoft yet?

I am having the same issue now and would love to find the answer for my users.

 

Answer 12

I just wanted to post my experience with this...

I have never worked on a machine that could use the "Edit in datasheet" mode.
I am recently working on a new system, and I accidentally clicked the edit in data sheet link rather than the export to spreadsheet.

My list began to operate just as you folks have indicated. It took me a while to puzzle through what caused this, but not 5 minute prior i had been using the edit in spreadsheet link on the list in question with out issue.
The after monkeying around with deleting things via edit in datasheet, everything came up read only.

The fix to edit in data sheet then use the side bar's export to excel worked for me.

My thoughts are atm that editing with the datasheet mode locks out edit in spreadsheet mode?

Just my 2 bits and i hope it helps.

---

"All paths are the same, leading nowhere. Therefor

Answer 13

This problem is caused because of service pack 3 of Microsoft Office. I guess what MS is trying to say is that exporting to excel really means just exporting to excel. If any one wants to edit data in excel, then in that case the best approach irrespective of the service pack that is installed on the system would be to go to Edit in data sheet ----> Link and query with excel.


---Pradeep
Sr. SharePoint Administrator/Developer

---

Sharepoint Developer

Answer 14

I want the ability to export to excel as well. I don't need it to be linked back to the task list. In excel 2007 it works fine. In excel 2003 all the fields are read only.

Answer 15

I am having the same problem you all describe after the SP3 install.  I do the

Actions -> Edit in DataSheet -> Actions -> Task Pane->Export and LInk to excel


It works ok, am able to edit and save.  Then after closing out and going back into the saved file I get File Error: data may have been lost.  I click ok and the list is brought up but no longer linked.  In addition to not being linked I loose all my data validation (drop downs etc).  Has anyone had this problem?  Any remedies?

Answer 16

May be a hint,

I have both Office SP3 and SharePoint Designer 2007 installed on my workstation and i can modify sharepoint lists when i use Export to Spreadsheet

while colleagues with only Office SP3 can't modify them.

EDIT: after some googling, i found another tips : http://justgeeks.blogspot.com/2008/12/excel-spreadsheet-is-read-only-after.html