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Initialization of Data Source Failed - Excel SQL Database Query

Question

Monday, February 27, 2017 8:42 PM | 1 vote

I am receiving this error on a Windows 7 PC with Excel 2016, when trying to refresh a SQL Query. I do not get this on a Windows 10 PC and the Query refresh works.

  • I created a new Excel file and began the New Query Process; From Database; SQL Server; Entered Server Name, Database name, and Query.
  • The Query was tested in SQL Server Manager and works fine - it is a simple select statement
  • Specify Database Credentials (Select permissions granted)
  • In Excel, in the Query Editor, the data pulls back and shows fine for the preview
  • Once I click Close & Load, I get the following error:

Initialization of the data source failed - Check the database server or contact your database administrator. Make sure the external database is available, and then try the operation again. If you see this message again, create a new data source to connect to the database.

I pulls in 4 records still, but just doesn't load the rest.

I have installed 2012 SQL Client, C++ Redistribution, Access Database Engine, all to no result. 

All replies (6)

Tuesday, March 7, 2017 4:24 PM âś…Answered

I ended up starting with a based Windows 7 machine and it worked fine. After each software I installed, I tested the Excel file and got it to the user, then it stopped for whatever reason. I think there was a dll replaced and after reboot it caused the error again.

Here are the items I installed that resolved it:

sqlncli.msi - SQL Server 2012 Native Client

Install (SQL 2016 downloads): - https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt592624.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

sql_as_oledb.msi - Microsoft AS OLE DB Provider for SQL Server 2016
sql_as_amo.msi - Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Analysis Management Objects
sql_as_adomd.msi - Microsoft SQL Server 2016 ADOMD.NET

Tuesday, February 28, 2017 6:52 AM

Hi bcales,

Thanks for visiting our forum.

Does this issue only occur to the specific computer?
What's the detailed build number of Excel 2016?

Generally, the error message "Initialization of the data source failed" might occur when opening a newer Data Model in an older version of the Power Pivot add-in. Please confirm if there is an earlier version of Excel application retained on your computer. Also check if the Power Pivot add-in is enabled in Excel 2016 via Developer > COM Add-ins.

Any updates, please feel free to post back.

Best regards,
Yuki Sun

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they helped.

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Wednesday, March 1, 2017 4:45 PM

It is happening on two separate Windows 7 machines. Excel 2016 (16.0.4266.1001) 64 bit.

That's the odd thing about this...When I go to create a new file and query SQL, I see the sample data pull down, it is only when I close & load that it gives there error - although it pulls 4 records into the table.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 10:14 PM

When i go into PowerPivot Manage (just trying to figure it all out), i do get an error "An issue with the Data Model is preventing Excel from opening this workbook".

Will look into this now, but any other info would be helpful.

I believe Office 2007 and 2013 was installed prior to this, but removed.

Thursday, March 2, 2017 2:55 PM

When i go into PowerPivot Manage (just trying to figure it all out), i do get an error "An issue with the Data Model is preventing Excel from opening this workbook".

Will look into this now, but any other info would be helpful.

I believe Office 2007 and 2013 was installed prior to this, but removed.

I fixed this by running Excel as Admin, however it doesn't resolve the Initialization error.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 8:58 PM

Bump... Occuring still with new install.