Frequently Asked Questions

I cannot see the SaveToDB tab. How do I fix this?

Check the Database tab. Starting with SaveToDB 8, the main tab name is Database.
If you still don't see the tab, refer to Installing and Uninstalling.

The SaveToDB/Database tab has disappeared. How do I fix this?

Select File > Options and activate the Add-ins tab.
If the SaveToDB add-in is in the Inactive Application Add-ins group, choose COM Add-ins from the Manage dropdown and click Go.... Then select SaveToDB and click OK.
If it's in the Disabled Application Add-ins group, select Disabled Items from the Manage dropdown and click Go.... Then select SaveToDB and click the Enable button.

I do not see the Reports tab. How do I fix this?

The Reports tab is available starting with SaveToDB 9 and requires a report setup worksheet with the _setup suffix.
See Reports Tab for more details.

The add-in does not save changes from Excel to a database. How do I fix this?

Refer to Saving Changes.

Is it possible to use localized names for table columns, output columns of views, and stored procedures?

Yes, you can use localized names. Database servers and Microsoft Excel support them.
Alternatively, you can use English names and translate them within Excel. See Developer Guide.

Can I use spaces or other non-alphanumeric symbols in column names of tables and views?

Yes, you can.
However, to retrieve values from such columns, stored procedure parameters must have encoded names.
For example, to get a value from the "Company Name" column, use the "@Company_x0020_Name" parameter name.
To avoid this encoding hassle, name columns with characters that are accepted as parameter names and translate them within Excel.
Refer to the Developer Guide for more information.

Why does Excel show native, not translated names for all database objects?

Select the appropriate data language in the Options dialog box, then use the Reload Workbook Tables... or Reload Data and Configuration button to refresh the data in the new language.
Keep in mind that translations must be configured in the database. See the Developer Guide.

Why does the ribbon query list show native but not translated names for some database objects?

If multiple objects share the same name after translation, the add-in displays the first translated name and shows the others as they are.
Ensure that translated object names are unique.

I receive a message about operation timeout when saving changes. How do I increase the operation timeout?

Adjust the Command Timeout in the Options dialog box.

I receive a message about operation timeout when publishing data. How do I increase the operation timeout?

Change the Command Timeout in the Options dialog box.

Why is the Excel Refresh menu inactive for some tables inserted using the SaveToDB add-in?

The SaveToDB add-in can insert tables connected via OLEDB and ODBC drivers fully supported by Microsoft Excel.
However, it can also insert tables connected using .NET data providers that Excel does not support.
For instance, if you connect to MySQL using the ODBC driver, you can refresh it via the Excel menu, but you cannot when using the .NET provider.
Use SaveToDB controls to reload data for such tables.

Why is the Excel Refresh menu inactive for tables inserted using the Web Data Connection Wizard and Text File Connection Wizard?

The SaveToDB add-in uses an internal data provider for web data sources and text files in JSON, XML, HTML, CSV, and plain text formats.
Use SaveToDB controls to reload data for these tables.

Why does the add-in sometimes insert the wrong data for some web requests?

The SaveToDB add-in employs smart algorithms to parse table data from web pages in HTML, XML, and JSON formats.
If multiple tables are present on a page, the add-in selects the most suitable one, which may not always be correct (e.g., it could mistakenly choose a table of contents).
Use parser parameters to fine-tune the parser.
If you still can't get the correct data, please contact us for assistance.

Why are connection string passwords saved unencrypted?

Microsoft Excel stores connection string passwords unencrypted, but users must opt to save passwords.
The SaveToDB add-in allows you to encrypt these passwords. Configure this option in the Options dialog box.
Note that the add-in always encrypts passwords for internal web and text data providers, as well as .NET data providers.

Why is the Data Publishing Wizard disabled?

The wizard works with Excel tables (formerly known as Lists). You must select a cell within a table.
Refer to Data Publishing Wizard for more details.
In short, select the desired table range and click Insert > Table to create an Excel table.

Why are the Views group buttons disabled?

This may be because your sheet does not contain any Excel tables (previously called Lists).
To insert an Excel table, select a table range and click Insert > Table.