Undeniably, Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used software applications in the world. With its powerful tools and intuitive interface, it has become a staple for businesses and individuals alike. However, even the best software can sometimes encounter errors or issues that can be frustrating for users. One such common error is the “Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action” message. It is a problem faced by many users when working on excel. So, they look for ways to resolve the issue and get back to smooth working again. If you have also encountered the same issue, you have reached the right place. In this blog, we will explore the causes of this error and how to fix it.

What is OLE?

OLE, or Object Linking and Embedding, is a technology developed by Microsoft that allows users to create and manipulate objects from one application in another application. For example, you might want to embed an Excel spreadsheet in a Word document, so that you can edit the spreadsheet directly from within the Word document. This is possible using OLE.

Potential Causes of the “Excel OLE Action Error” (Explained)

When you are using OLE in Excel, you may encounter an error message that says “Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action”. This can occur for uncountable reasons. One common cause is that there is a problem with the OLE server application that you are trying to use. This could be because the application is not installed properly, or because there is a problem with the application itself.

Another cause of the “Excel OLE action error” is that there is a problem with the OLE automation server. This can happen if there is a conflict between the automation server and another application that is running on your computer.

Fixing the “Excel OLE Action Error” 

If you encounter the “Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action” error, you are not alone. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to try to resolve this undesirable issue. 

Here are some possible solutions:

1. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, simply restarting your system can resolve the issue. This can help to clear any temporary files or settings that may be causing the error.
2. Update Your Software: If the OLE server application or the automation server is not installed properly or is outdated, updating the software may help to resolve the issue. You can check for updates using the software’s built-in update function, or by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
3. Repair the Office Installation: If you are using Microsoft Office, you can try repairing the installation. This can help to fix any issues with the software that may be causing the error. To do this, you have to go to the Control Panel, select “Programs and Features”, and then choose “Microsoft Office”. After that click on “Change”, and then select “Repair”.
4. Check for Conflicts: If there is a conflict between the automation server and another application, you can try closing all other applications and then restarting Excel. This can help to ensure that Excel is the only application using the automation server.
5. Disable Add-Ins: If you have any Excel add-ins installed, try disabling them and then restarting Excel. This can help to rule out any add-in conflicts that may be causing the error.
6. Try a Different Spreadsheet: If you are encountering an error with a specific spreadsheet, try opening a different spreadsheet to see if the error persists. If the error only occurs with one spreadsheet, it may be that the spreadsheet is corrupted and needs to be repaired.

To Sum Up…

The “Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action” error can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to try to resolve the issue. By restarting your computer, updating your software, repairing the installation, checking for conflicts, disabling add-ins, or trying a different spreadsheet, you may be able to fix the error and get back to using Excel as before. 

However, if you still struggle with the OLE action error in Excel, it’s time to uninstall the program and run it again to continue daily operations.