10 Ways To Fix Excel Ran Out Of Resources Error

Experiencing the "Excel Ran Out Of Resources" error can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are in the middle of an important task. This error typically indicates that Excel is struggling to allocate the necessary resources due to various reasons such as a lack of available memory, corrupted files, or software glitches. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions to resolve this issue and get back to your work seamlessly. Below, we’ll explore ten ways to fix this error, along with helpful tips, shortcuts, and advanced techniques to use Excel effectively.

Understanding the Problem

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s quickly understand why this error occurs. Excel may run out of resources when:

• You are using a very large workbook with many formulas and data points.
• There are many add-ins enabled that consume system resources.
• Your computer lacks sufficient memory (RAM).
• There’s an issue with your Excel installation or the workbook itself.

1. Close Unnecessary Applications

Closing other applications running on your computer can free up resources for Excel. Since memory is shared among all programs, ensuring that only essential applications are open can help Excel perform better.

2. Reduce Workbook Size

If your Excel file is excessively large, it might be time to streamline it. Here’s how you can do that:

• Remove any unnecessary data or sheets.
• Delete empty rows and columns.
• Use Excel’s built-in features like "Remove Duplicates" to clean up your data.

3. Use 64-Bit Excel

If you're regularly dealing with large data sets, consider switching to the 64-bit version of Excel. This version can handle larger files and more data without running into resource limitations. If you're using a 32-bit version, it may be time to upgrade!

4. Disable Add-Ins

Add-ins can sometimes consume excessive resources. To disable them:

1. Go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
2. At the bottom of the window, select Excel Add-ins from the Manage dropdown and click Go.
3. Uncheck any add-ins you don’t need and click OK.

5. Check for Updates

Running an outdated version of Excel can lead to errors. Make sure you are using the latest version:

1. Open Excel and go to File > Account.
2. Click on Update Options and select Update Now.

6. Repair Your Office Installation

Sometimes, corrupted files within your Office installation can cause issues. Here’s how to repair it:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Find Microsoft Office in the list, select it, and click on Change.
3. Choose the Repair option and follow the prompts.

7. Clear Clipboard

Sometimes, Excel’s clipboard can hold onto too many items, leading to resource issues. Clearing it may help:

• Press Ctrl + C twice to clear the clipboard.
• Alternatively, open the Clipboard panel using the Home tab and click Clear All.

8. Adjust Excel Options

Tuning Excel’s settings can sometimes improve performance:

1. Go to File > Options > Advanced.
2. Scroll down to the Formulas section and change the calculation from Automatic to Manual.
3. This helps in scenarios where recalculations may be causing slowdowns.

9. Increase Virtual Memory

Increasing your computer’s virtual memory can also help Excel manage more resources. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings.
2. Under the Performance section, click on Settings.
3. Select the Advanced tab and click on Change under Virtual memory.
4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives and set a larger paging file size.

10. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can clear up memory and resolve temporary glitches, freeing resources for Excel.

Helpful Tips for Excel Users

• Save Regularly: Don’t wait until you’re done working. Save your workbook regularly to prevent data loss.
• Use Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work.
• Organize Your Data: Keep your workbooks organized to easily manage large datasets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Updates: Always keep your software updated to avoid performance issues.
• Running Too Many Heavy Applications: Close unnecessary heavy applications to free up memory.
• Not Saving: Forgetting to save your work can lead to loss of data if Excel crashes.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and the problem persists, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• Check System Performance: Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see if your CPU or memory is maxing out.
• Look for Corrupted Files: Open other Excel files to see if the problem is isolated to one file.
• Reinstall Excel: As a last resort, uninstall and then reinstall Excel.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What causes the Excel ran out of resources error?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>This error can be caused by excessive file sizes, too many open applications, add-ins, or insufficient computer memory.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I reduce Excel's memory usage?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can reduce memory usage by closing other programs, minimizing the size of your workbook, and disabling unnecessary add-ins.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is upgrading to 64-bit Excel worth it?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes! The 64-bit version can handle larger datasets more efficiently and is generally better for heavy users.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What should I do if the error keeps happening?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If the error persists, consider reinstalling Excel or checking for corrupted files.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Recap the key takeaways: Always keep your Excel updated, manage your files smartly, and free up system resources when working with large datasets. Practicing these tips can help you avoid running into the "Excel ran out of resources" error in the future. If you're keen on improving your skills further, be sure to explore related tutorials available on our blog.

<p class="pro-note">💡Pro Tip: Regularly cleaning up your workbooks can prevent performance issues and ensure smoother operations in Excel.</p>