Network Connectivity

Error message: We couldn't get data from an external data source. Please try again later. If the problem persists, please contact the administrator for the external data source. Here is the error message that was returned from the Analysis Server named ____. The following system error occurred: The handle is invalid. Either a connection cannot be made to the server or Analysis Services is not running on the computer specified.

Network Connection Issue

Description:

This error may appear after attempting to refresh the cube or a specific pivot table in a file.

• Can be due to a network issue with the website connected to the cube or due to a stale or corrupt file; meaning it can no longer connect to its external sources, such as a remote server.
• Additionally, the file may just need a little help in how it's configured, such as removing grand totals or subtotals, using more filters in the pivot table rather than hiding columns, or hard deleting blank rows and columns (control shift down arrow; control minus sign to delete).
• Another possible reason for this error might be due to a Scenario being archived or removed in Catalyst, which would present in an error like this, essentially saying that Microsoft cannot reach the server to update the related tab, filter, or slicer in Excel. If you can locate the affected tab and delete it, you may be able to avoid having to rebuild the entire document.

Solution:

Start by quitting Excel and restarting your machine. Run your file through the cube updater for good measure. Confirm this issue occurs for other folks too, using the same file. If they can reproduce it, then you'll likely need to rebuild the file.

1. First attempt to remove grand totals and/or subtotals from the pivot table. This can commonly fix the issue. 
2. If that doesn't work, determine if there's an old scenario being referenced somewhere in the file (e.g. 2018 Actuals, 2019 Budget, etc.). Remove it from your formulas, filters, etc. in the file.
3. Clean up the file in general by removing blank unused columns and rows. Select and fine-tune your visible data using filters, rather than by hiding rows and columns. 
4. Attempt to locate the specific tab that's causing the problems and delete it (make a copy so you can rebuild it later).
5. If all of the above doesn't work, you'll likely have to rebuild the file...
6. Pull down a blank cube file from Catalyst. 
7. Copy all of the tabs from the problem file and paste into the new file. 
8. Be sure to select/choose "Overwrite" and don't rename it when prompted.
9. The file should now be usable.