Why seeing Security Warning about external data connections if data self-contained?

[Kds1113]

As the subject implies, all my data is contained within the same workbook.  I'm not conencting to external sources.  So why am I seeing this security warning?  I don't want those viewing the data to have reservations about opening the file or enabling content.

[v-stephen-msft]

Hi @Kds1113 ,

First, I suggest you refer to the following article to check the result:

Excel - How to disable data connection warning

Besides, you can try safe mode to see it.

Similar post: External Data Connections have been disabled - Microsoft Community

Best Regards,

Stephen Tao

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Daryl-Lynch-Bzy]

Hi @Kds1113 - there is nothing like an old fashion Excel question to keep us on our toes.  When this happen you need to:

1. check for data connections linking to other data sources.
2. check all the cell for formulas that are referencing other excel files
3. check "Named Ranges" to see if these contain references to external files.

It sounds like you may not have consider the 3rd option.