Fixing “You do not have access to one or more cube(s)” Error in Excel

Overview

This error isn’t always about permissions—it’s sometimes caused by a missing cube definition instead of the more common expired login token issue. Workarounds for both scenarios are below.

If your Catalyst-connected Excel file displays this error when refreshing or opening, it may be due to:

1. Blank cube definition – The file loses the reference to the cube it should be querying.

2. Expired login token – Your session has timed out, similar to being logged out of online banking after inactivity.

This guide shows how to determine which one applies to you and how to fix it.

1. Blank Cube Definition

Root Cause
We’ve found that this often happens when the file was originally created or last cube-updated by a user account that has since been disabled or has lost access to the cube. When this occurs, the cube definition in the file can become blank. To use the file again, it must be cube-updated by an active user who has access to the cube.

How to Check

1. Open your file in Excel.

2. Go to Data > Queries & Connections.

3. Right-click the connection and choose Properties.

4. Switch to the Definition tab.

5. Look at the Command Text field:

   • If blank: This is the issue.

   • If populated: See the “Expired Login Token” section below.

   • Example of a valid value:

     EBM_examplecompany_TabularFinancial

Workarounds

• Run a Cube Update – This re-inserts the missing command text using your credentials as the active user.

• Insert a New Cube –

  1. Click the EBM Office Bridge icon in Excel, then select Insert Cube next to Refresh All Cubes.

  2. Select the same cube type (e.g., Tabular Financial).

  3. If an error appears, click OK, refresh the cube list, insert the correct cube, then refresh your file.
     
     

2. Expired Login Token

How to Fix

1. Fully close Excel (and restart your computer if possible).

2. Open the affected file.

3. From the EBM Office Bridge ribbon, choose Refresh All Cubes.

4. Click through any prompts or errors until the sign-in process appears.

5. Sign in to refresh your login token.

6. Avoid having other Excel files open during this process.

Why It Happens
If Excel has been idle for too long, your session token expires. This is normal in secure systems and can trigger the exact same error message as the blank cube definition problem.

If you see this error it can be caused by either a missing cube definition or an expired login token. Checking the Command Text in the connection properties will help determine the right fix:

• Blank → The file was likely created by an inactive user; update or insert the cube using an active account.

• Populated → Refresh All Cubes to renew your token.

If neither resolves the problem, contact EBM Support so we can continue investigating and help resolve the root cause.