problem with linked excel worksheet object in word changing to object and then link not updating

Hello there,

Thank you for reaching out here regarding this query. I already understand how frustrating this can be.

Can you confirm if you're running the latest update of Microsoft Office on your Dell laptop?

Have you already attempted using the Office Repair option to see if it solves the issue?

I reckon you might have to reinstall Office if all my above questions are checked already.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused!

Warm regards,
Albert

Thank you.

I just did on online repair of the Microsoft 365 - en-us that is installed on the Dell but the "Linked Worksheet Object" is still showing up as "Object" when I open the word and excel files.

I'm not sure what version is installed but under Apps & Features it shows 16.0.15427.20210 and 8/10/2022. In Word it says the version is 2207 (Build 15427.20210 Click-to-Run).

Could there be an issue with something in the registry?

Hello,

Please, share an image description of this Object appearance you speak about.

Is this issue applicable for only the specific file/s or all your Word and Excel files, both new and old, are affected as well?

Did you try reinstalling Office too? It should correct the registry if there's an error from the department.

Regards,
Albert

Thanks Albert. This issue is applicable for all Word and Excel files, both new and old.

Here is a pic of the linked excel table shown as a "Linked Worksheet Object" when I open the word file on the Surface:

And here is a pic of the same linked excel table when shown as an "Object" when I open the same word file on the Dell:

Note this file is saved on OneDrive that both of these computers can access. The same thing happens as above even if I create a new word and excel file on each of these computers. When I create a new word and excel file on the Dell, link an excel table in word using paste special > paste link > microsoft excel worksheet object, then the table initially shows up as a "Linked Worksheet Object" when I right-click on it. But after saving, closing, and opening the file it shows up as an "Object" and the "Update Link" option does not work. This is what I explained in my initial post.

I re-installed Microsoft 365 on the Dell but that did not fix the problem.

I then checked the Microsoft 365 version on both computers and they were different. The Surface was using 16.0.15427.20194 and the Dell was using 16.0.15427.20210. Since the links were working correctly on the Surface, I disabled automatic updates in Office and then reverted the version on the Dell to the same as the Surface. This did not fix the problem either.

What in the world is going on? Why did the Dell suddenly start having this problem and the Surface did not? My mind is spinning trying to figure this out and I am guessing there is some random setting on the Dell that would easily fix this issue if I could find it.

Hi David,

Thank you for posting your query. My name is Clarence, I'll be more than happy to assist you with your concern.

Try this steps to link an Excel Worksheet Object in a Word document:

Open desired workbook, select/copy desired cell range, CTRL+C; in Word, from the Home tab, Paste button drop down, Paste Special; Paste link, As Microsoft Excel Worksheet Object, OK.

Note: Open the Excel file FIRST and then open the Word file SECOND.

Go to this link for your reference https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/updating-an-excel-worksheet-object-embedded-in-a/75492a05-b11a-4cfe-88ea-5491181eba48

Do not hesitate to message us if you need further assistance.

Give back to the Community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating if this reply solved your problem. Click Yes or No below.

Best Regards, Clarence