Have you ever faced a situation where you could not insert an object in Excel and you’re not sure how to fix it? Then, this article can help you solve the problem because we’ll explore 5 solutions when you cannot insert an object in Excel. In addition, we’ll also learn to fix the issue of being unable to insert an object in Excel VBA.
Cannot Insert Object in Excel: 5 Solutions
Let’s assume the Quarterly Sales Data for 2021 shown in the B4:F14 cells contains the Location, and the four QuartersQ1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 respectively. Here, we want to insert an external object. However, Excel shows a message “Cannot insert object”. So, without further delay, let’s glance at the solutions described below with easy and simple illustrations.
Here, we have used the Microsoft Excel 365 version, you may use any other version according to your convenience.
Solution 1: Unprotect Workbook
First and foremost, the workbook might be protected, which means we have to unprotect the workbook before inserting objects. So, let’s go through the steps.
📌 Steps:
- In the first place, go to the Review tab >> click the Protect Workbook option >> Enter the password >> press the OK button.
Now, you can insert external objects into the workbook.
Solution 2: Change Macro Security Settings
We all know that Excel throws a plethora of warnings if the file contains VBA Macros. Sometimes this security feature can disable the insertion of objects into a workbook. Hence, let’s explore the process of temporarily changing this security setting.
📌 Steps:
- First of all, jump to the Developer tab >> click the Macro Security option.
In turn, this opens the Trust Center wizard.
- Next, click the Enable VBA macros radio button >> hit the OK button.
Read More: [Fixed!] Cannot Insert PDF into Excel
Solution 3: Obtain a Fresh Copy of the Corrupted File
Oftentimes, the workbook you’re working with may become corrupted in some way, which may cause it to malfunction. Let’s discuss the possible fix to this problem in the steps below.
📌 Steps:
- Initially, copy the dataset from the corrupted workbook using CTRL + C keys.
- Following this, open a new workbook >> hit the CTRL + V keys to paste the data.
Hopefully, now you can insert objects into the workbook.
Read More: How to Insert an Excel File into Another Excel File
Solution 4: Delete Obsolete Extenders
For one thing, you can troubleshoot Excel’s “cannot insert object error” by removing some temporary files. In this case, one or more files may be present, and you’ll need to remove all of them. Now, allow us to demonstrate the process in the steps below.
📌 Steps:
- First, close all the Microsoft Office applications >> press the WINDOWS + R keys >> type in %temp% in the Run box >> press OK.
- Second, enter .exd in the search bar >> select the file with the .exd extension and delete it permanently.
Lastly, restart your computer and check to see if you can insert objects in Excel.
📃 Note: If you insert Active X Controls, the .exd files will reappear and you’ll have to remove them as described in the above procedure.
Solution 5: Repair Microsoft Office
Alternatively, you can also resolve the issue of “cannot insert an object in Excel” by repairing your version of Office.
Although the methods above are all possible ways to resolve the issue of not being able to insert an object in Excel, however, if the problem persists as the last option, you can contact Microsoft Support. Here, you can find many Excel experts who will provide solutions for your particular issues.
What to Do If Anyone Cannot Insert Object in Excel VBA
In fact, after updating Office 2013 according to Microsoft Security Bulletin MS14-082, you may receive error messages when inserting Active X Controls in your Excel spreadsheet. Luckily, Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and provided a solution, so just follow these steps.
📌 Steps:
- To begin with, hit the WINDOWS + R keys >> enter %temp% in the Run box >> click OK.
- Then, lookup for the .exd files in the search bar >> delete them permanently.
If, however, this does not resolve the problem, then you’ll have to update the entire Office version on your PC to fix this issue.
Read More: How to Attach Screenshot in Excel
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Conclusion
This article describes some quick and easy fixes when you cannot insert an object in Excel. Now, we hope you find it useful and will share your thoughts in the comments section.
