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Nirmal_Daswani
April 23, 2025

HELP! Microsoft excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action after 8.5 Upgrade

  • April 23, 2025
  • 6 replies
  • 0 views

Hello Experts,

We have a few users that are getting below error while trying to close Excel windows after OneStream upgrade.

Error text "Microsoft excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action"

Can someone share any insights or guidance on resolution here?

 

Regards,
ND

    6 replies

    M
    MG8
    April 24, 2025

    Hi, I'd suggest raising a support ticket. You may get lucky with someone having seen the same issue, but Support can work with you (screen share, local specificities etc) to resolve the issue. Thanks

    C
    cch
    May 13, 2025

    Hi ND,

    Were you able to resolve this issue? We have just upgraded yesterday and several users are experiencing the same thing. I wonder if you have found the cause and have been able to resolve this. I would like to know the fix for this before creating a case to OneStream support.

    Thanks in advance.

    Brgds,

    Cherish

    N
    Nirmal_DaswaniAuthor
    May 13, 2025

    Hi Cherish, 

    Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet. After working with our IT and OS Support, we concluded that Office 64 bit is a must for OneStream Excel add-in to work smoothly. OS doesn't have a 32-bit compatible MSI and the documentation was confusing on 64-bit being nice to have vs mandatory. We have initiated discussion with OS customer rep to see if they can release a 32-bit version. 

    There is a temp workaround where users can log-off OneStream on the excel add-in before closing files OR they can keep one excel session open all the time. Though it does get annoying after a while. 

    Hope this helps. 

    Regards,
    ND

    C
    cch
    May 13, 2025

    Thanks ND for the quick reply. Any feedback from OS customer rep when will they release for 32-bit version? 

    Yup, we are currently doing the workaround as you pointed out but pretty annoying.

    Brds,

    Cherish

    D
    denisefockler
    May 14, 2025

    I came here looking for help with the exact same issue :)

    We upgraded from 8.2.3 to 8.5.1 two days ago and I have had at least a dozen complaints from users with the same issue.  I have instructed then to try logging off prior to closing the file but old habits are hard to break.  I will also raise a support ticket for this.  Maybe if they have tickets from both of us it will get more attention.

    Our users have also noticed the reappearance of an old issue.  In an older version of the add-in there was an issue where you would "save as offline copy" but it would still have the formulas.  This seemed to resolve itself in a more recent version but it back again with 8.5.1

    Thank you

    Denise

    C
    cch
    May 14, 2025

    Hi Denise,

    We have also raised a ticket and just like ND, we are pushing for 32-bit version as many of our applications are compatible with 32-bit (a bit archaic).

    As regards your "save as Offline copy" issue, is your settings in Preferences for Retain All Formatting when Saving Offline set to TRUE? It works for me, no issues. 

     

    D
    denisefockler
    May 14, 2025

    In regards to the MSI, I feel like there is an issue to be corrected even without publishing a 32-bit MSI.  Prior to upgrading to 8.5.1 this week, we were on 8.2.3.  Installer was 64-bit and users were using it with 32-bit office with no issue.  So, why does the issue all of a sudden appear when upgrading to 8.5.1?  (Not expecting you to answer that).  Even for me (I have 64-bit office) Excel now takes about 60 seconds to close if I do not log out of the add-in first.  I do not get an error but have a long delay in Excel closing.

    Denise

    M
    mitrad
    June 9, 2025

    Our users receive the same error even on 64-bit office , the delays after upgrade to 8.5 from 7.4 is pretty significant.

     

    D
    denisefockler
    June 11, 2025

    Our users do not get the error if they have 64-bit Excel.  But, they do see a delay when closing Excel if they have 64-bit Excel.  The error seems to only occur with 32-bit Excel in which case the delay is even longer.  If your users are getting the error with 64-bit office I would recommend checking their specific Excel version because it is possible to have 64-bit office and 32-bit Excel.  I would also recommend opening a case with OneStream.  I have one open due to the fact even users with 63-bit excel, who do not receive the error, see a lag when trying to close Excel.  I have demonstrated the issue for them.

    Denise

    J
    johnal67
    June 23, 2025

    We just went to 9.0 from 8.4 and we are getting the error.  OneStream just told me they only support 64bit.  I missed the memo on that.  64 bit users are seeing the lag closing.

    D
    denisefockler
    June 23, 2025

    I was given the following bug number: PF-35337 after opening a case and demonstrating the issue/lag.  I was told I would see this referenced in release notes when it is resolved.  Hope this helps.  

    Denise

    B
    bjornliow
    October 16, 2025

    Hi,

    We've recently upgraded to version 9.0.1 and are experiencing the same error "Microsoft excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action".

    I've checked my Excel and can confirm it's the 64 bit version.

    Has a solution been identified or are you still using the workaround you shared - log-off OneStream on the excel add-in before closing files OR they can keep one excel session open all the time ? 

    We had to work with IT to use their admin credentials to install and repair the Excel Add-in.

    D
    denisefockler
    October 20, 2025

    I believe this is still an issue in 9.0.1  Note: for us there are two separate issues our users see, 1) If they have 32-bit Excel they receive the OLE error message if they close Excel when still logged into the add-in.  2) if they have 64-bit Excel and attempt to close while logged into the add-in, it takes a long time for Excel to close with nothing to indicate it is working on closing, just a long wait/freeze of about 30 seconds.  Yes, we are still advising users to change habits and try to remember to log off the add-in before closing Excel.

    The 9.1 release notes list the following as a Fixed Issue:  Improved Application Close Speed - Excel now closes faster when logged in to the Excel Add-in.  I am assuming this addresses #2 above but we have not upgraded yet to confirm.  We plan to upgrade next month.

    You said you are getting the error in 64-bit version so you may want to have a look at the Known Issues document which does list an issue in 8.5 and 9.0 with the Excel Add-in installer ending prematurely.  

    Hope this helps

    Denise

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