External data connection disabled

Applies To
Excel for Microsoft 365 Excel 2024 Excel 2021

Issue

When you try to open an .IQY, .OQY, .RQY, or .DQY file in Excel, you receive an error message that the file's data connection is disabled because it comes from an untrusted location.

Screenshot that shows we have disabled this files data connection because it is coming from an untrusted location. If you trust the files source, please move it to a secure folder and open it again.

First solution

  1. Select OK, and then close the file.
  2. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E), select the file, and then right-click it. Select Properties.
  3. At the bottom of the Properties dialog box, look for the following message: Security: The file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer. Select Unlock, and then select Apply.

Second solution

  1. Select OK, and then close the file.
  2. Open File Explorer (Windows key + E), and then move the file to a designated trusted location.

Third solution

If the first two solutions don't resolve the issue, your Trust Center settings might be blocking this type of file.

  1. Select OK, and then go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > File Block Settings.
  2. Scroll down to Microsoft Office Query Files in the File Type section, uncheck Open, and then select OK.

Alternatively

If the issue persists after you try these solutions, contact your system administrator.

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