How to resolve the PowerApps error "The tables didn't load correctly" when opening an Excel file from Personal OneDrive connection?

Question

Hi

I am following these instructions (Exercise: Build a canvas app - Training | Microsoft Learn) and trying to create an app by connecting to the Excel file from OneDrive. I downloaded xslx and saved it in my PERSONAL OneDrive. When accessing the file from PowerApps, I get the above error message. The file comes from learn.microsoft and its data is formatted as Table etc. so I it is fit for purpose for the task at hand.

The following remedies did not help:

"Please try again" - I tried over several days.

"Delete OneDrive connection and recreate a new one"

"Delete the file from OneDrive and upload it again."

I have the free PowerApps developer license. Unfortunately, my license does not let me create a Support request from MS. While some posts suggest that OneDrive for Business is more 'robust' and should be able to connect to the file, I am looking for a solution with Personal OneDrive, as that is a free product. (I do know I can trial OD for Business for free for 30 days).

Since PowerApps has a connector to the Personal OneDrive, surely there must be a solution to such a basic problem as reading an Excel data file.

Screenshot:

Thank you and kind regards

Answer 1

Hi Juraj Petrik,

Thank you for reaching out to us on the Microsoft Q&A forum.

We get to know that You are unable to connect your Excel file in PowerApps via OneDrive Personal, which can be frustrating. This issue may arise for several reasons, such as Excel table formatting / occasional connectivity issues with OneDrive Personal.

Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve your issue:

1. After extracting all files, save them to OneDrive. In OneDrive, save the file by following these steps:
   a. Navigate to any existing folder in OneDrive.
   b. Create a new folder within that existing folder and name it (e.g: “My File”).
   c. Save the file within this new folder.
2. Instead of using the Upload option, try going to the Data section in PowerApps. Add a new data source, select 'OneDrive Personal', and browse to your file this can help avoid issues with loading metadata.
3. Change the file settings in OneDrive to "Anyone with the link can view" for a short time. This will help you check if there are any access issues, even when you're trying to view your own file.
4. You can clear your PowerApps cache / try using an incognito or private browsing window to see if caching issues are causing the problem.
5. To fix the issue, delete the current Excel file from OneDrive and upload a new copy. Make sure the new file is properly formatted before uploading.

We attempted the exercise as outlined in the "Build a Canvas App" instructions and encountered no issues while completing it.

For your reference, a screenshot has also been attached:

If challenges persist, please attach relevant screenshots for further assistance, ensuring all privacy details are concealed before posting.

Thank you.

If you've found the provided answer helpful, please click the "Accept Answer/Upvote" button. This will be beneficial to other members of the Microsoft Q&A forum community.