Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste the Data? [Fixed]

Have you ever come across the 'Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste the Data Error' issue? Don't worry. We have got you covered here! Keep reading to find effortless ways to fix this issue. When the Excel files get corrupted, you can run the EaseUS repair tool for file repair to repair the Excel files to make Excel work again. Read on to solve your problem and fix the Excel error with the step-by-step guide.

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When it comes to your professional life, you can't avoid utilizing Microsoft Excel to sort your data and do complex calculations in a breeze. But, for some individuals, Excel can be a source of anxiety. In contrast to the more user-friendly Word or PowerPoint, Excel has a plethora of complex terminology and functionalities that must be learned.

Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error

Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste the Data

Even when you've learned how to use the functionalities, the road is still full of bumps. Like any other computer program, the spreadsheet program Excel is susceptible to various problems and becomes super aggravating. Throughout this post, we will provide you with an explanation of the Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste the Data Error and instructions on fixing this with reliable solutions.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Restart Excel Close the MS Excel program. Restart the Application. Try copying and pasting...Full steps
Fix 2. Check the Merge Cell Launch the source Excel worksheet and make a list of all the data you would like to copy...Full steps
Fix 3. Disable the Macro Express Select Disable Macro from the context menu when you right-click on the macro...Full steps
Fix 4. Use Paste Special Make a copy of the relevant data from the Excel workbook once opened...Full steps
Other Solutions Ignore DDE > Start Excel in Safe Mode > Restart the PC in Clean Boot State...Full steps

How to Fix Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste The Data (10 Fixes)

The Excel issue is quite common when copying and pasting data from one spreadsheet. In some instances, you can be experiencing difficulties because of merged cells or a lack of familiarity with the multiple copy-pasting processes, both of which can be remedied quickly. Here, we've highlighted the ten most effective methods which can help you get rid of this problem.

Method 1. Restart Excel to Fix Excel Cannot Paste the Data

Before you go into more complicated solutions, why not start with something simple? Most of the time, relaunching the excel sheet will resolve the issue, and no high-level preparations are required. Nonetheless, attempt to save your data before closing the Excel program.

Step 1. Close the MS Excel program.

Step 2. Restart the Application.

Step 3. Try copying and pasting the info. Check to see if this works.

restart Excel to fix Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error

Method 2. Check the Merge Cell in Excel to Fix Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste the Data

In an ordinary Excel Sheet, you cannot copy data from merged cells and paste it into another Excel Sheet. Consequently, before you attempt to duplicate the information, unmerge all of the cells by doing the following methods.

Step 1. Launch the source Excel worksheet and make a list of all the data you would like to copy, then click "copy".

Step 2. To unmerge cells, choose "Merge and Center > Unmerge Cells" from the Home tab on the menu bar.

check the merge cell to fix Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error

Method 3. Disable the Macro Express Application

The "Macro Express" software can also cause this problem. It's a Windows-based program that allows you to make adjustments and record mouse macros. As a result, verify the operating programs in the background before transferring data from Excel. To temporarily deactivate a macro, choose it from the Macro Express Pro - Explorer list and do the following action.

Select Disable Macro from the context menu when you right-click on the macro.

disable macro

Method 4. Use Paste Special Option to Fix the Error

When utilizing the "Paste" option in Microsoft Excel, the data cannot be pasted due to an error.

Step 1. Make a copy of the relevant data from the Excel workbook once opened.

Step 2. Next, open the destination sheet and right-click on any cell to choose it from the menu. Select the "Paste Special" option from the drop-down menu and select a specialized setting for correctly pasting the data you copied.

use paste special to fix Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error

Method 5. Ignore DDE to Fix Excel Cannot Paste

Ignoring DDE also adds to the resolution of the copy and paste problem. And here are the steps to follow.

Step 1. Open Excel and choose "Options" from the "Files" drop-down menu.

Step 2. To disable the "Ignore other apps that employ Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)" checkbox in the dialog box, choose the "Advanced" option from the dialog box.

Step 3. You can now go to the next step by clicking "OK" to store your progressions.

ignore dde to fix Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error

Method 6. Start Excel in Safe Mode

By pressing the CTRL key on your keyboard and the shortcut icon for Excel, you can launch the spreadsheet in Safe mode immediately. The following are the procedures that must be completed to open Excel in Safe Mode using this method.

Also read: How to enter Safe Mode?

Step 1. Locate the Excel shortcut on your computer. It might be located on your desktop, on your taskbar, or in your Start menu.

Step 2. If it's on your desktop, hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard while clicking on the Excel shortcut icon twice on your computer's screen. If the shortcut is located on the taskbar or in the Start menu, hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard while performing a single click on it.

fix excel paste and copy error in safe mode

Step 3. Continue to hold down the CTRL key until you get a message box telling you, "You're holding down the CTRL key, are you sure?" Is it okay with you if I start [Application] in Safe Mode?"

fix excel paste and copy error in safe mode-1

Step 4. Select "Yes" from the drop-down menu.

fix excel paste and copy error in safe mode -2

Step 5. This will start Excel in Safe Mode.

Method 7. Restart the PC in Clean Boot State

To restart your computer in Clean Boot State, perform the steps outlined below.

Step 1. Start by typing MSConfig into the Run box.

Step 2. Uncheck the Load Startup Items box under "General > Selective Startup" in the menu bar.

Step 3. Hide all Microsoft offerings from the "Services" tab, so order to block any unnecessary starting attempts, and then select "Open Task Manager" from the "Startup" tab.

Step 4. Disable all startup processes using this window and return to the "System Configuration" window to save your changes.

how to fix Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error by rebooting PC in clean boot

Method 8. Use XLSX Sheets Instead of XLS

Because you'll be transferring a large amount of data, you might want to switch from the standard XLS sheet to an XLSX sheet. The XLS sheets have a maximum line length of 65,000 characters.

The implication is that if you copy data with additional rows, you will get the "can't paste in Excel" error message. On the other hand, in an XLSX sheet, you can have up to one million rows.

use xlsx to fix Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error

Method 9. Run Microsoft's Automatic Repair to Fix Excel Cannot Paste the Data

When Microsoft Excel opens a corrupted workbook, it immediately enters into File Recovery mode and tries to fix the file. It's possible to restore your workbook manually if File Recovery mode isn't activated. Look at the steps below.

Step 1. To open a file, go to the File menu and choose "Open".

Step 2. Right-click on the damaged worksheet and choose "Copy to Clipboard".

Step 3. The corrupted workbook may be selected in the Open dialog box by clicking on it.

Step 4. Right-click on Open, and then choose "Open and Repair".

run automatic repair to fix Microsoft excel cannot paste the data error

Step 5. You may use Repair to get back as much of the information as feasible. If Repair doesn't work, choose "Extract Data" to get the workbook's values and formulae.

Method 10. Use EaseUS Excel Repair to Fix Excel Cannot Paste the Data

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a corrupted Word document, EaseUS Fixo Document Repair can be of assistance. It is a simple-to-use application that can fix a Word document without modifying its elements, such as photos, fonts, original text, hyperlinks, headers, or footers, without requiring any other software. It gives three straightforward repair alternatives.

The most significant part is that it is a tool that you can experiment with; thus, download the program from its official website and get acquainted with the software's fantastic capabilities. The application can repair a wide range of corruption faults relating to Word files and other files that have become inaccessible or include certain unusual characters.

You can also preview the documents before storing the corrected Word files. Maintain compatibility with Microsoft Word 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and previous versions.

  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files are among the four kinds of files that can be repaired.
  • Provide add and save options for finding and saving damaged files as soon as they are discovered.
  • Examine and fix all of the data included inside the damaged files using this program.
  • Repair corrupted files for various reasons and on a variety of devices.

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Step 1. Download and launch Fixo on your PC or laptop. Choose "File Repair" to repair corrupted Office documents, including Word, Excel, PDF, and others. Click "Add Files" to select corrupted documents.

add files to repair documents with Fixo

Step 2. To repair multiple files at once, click the "Repair All" button. If you want to repair a single document, move your pointer to the target file and choose "Repair". You can also preview the documents by clicking the eye icon.

select documents to repair

Step 3. Click "Save" to save a selected document. Select "Save All" to save all the repaired files. Choose "View Repaired" to locate the repaired folder.

save repaired documents in Fixo

Part 3. Conclusion

Whatever your cause for corrupting a Microsoft Word document, you can use this technique to get it back in working order. 'Microsoft Excel Cannot Paste the Data Error' issues can be resolved using any options listed above. The Microsoft Office repair tool, on the other hand, will allow you to recover your data if you face file corruption while following these instructions. We hope that this advice will be of use to you in the most excellent manner possible.

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author Brithny

Brithny

Brithny is a technology enthusiast, aiming to make readers' tech lives easy and enjoyable. She loves exploring new technologies and writing technical how-to tips. In her spare time, she loves sharing things about her game experience on Facebook or Twitter.

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