I'm having the same problem as someone else whose  Excel 2010 the "Get External Data" is grayed out was also greyed out.  There was a suggestion to clear the old external data.  How do you clear old external data?

Does this problem occur in a specific workbook/worksheet only or in all workbooks/worksheets?

Hi,

Please confirm the following situations:

• Once double click a cell, the Get External Data will be greyed out.
• One you select a cell in a table, the Get External Data will be greyed out.
• Check whether the workbook or worksheet is protected.

Usualy, when that command is greyed out, it means that you are positioned in a cell domain that has a external connection.

Click outside that domain and that command will become active.

To clear old connections, click on Data tab - Connections command and then click on a connection - Remove.

• Marked as answer by Jaynet ZhangMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator Monday, June 04, 2012 2:13 AM

I am having the same problem can you not import data into a table. i have no connections on the spread sheet but as soon as i click in the table the get external data is greyed out.

To resolve this click on 'Properties' near the connections ribbon menu which will give you the external data range properties form. Uncheck the 'Save query definition' checkbox, and that should resolve it.

• Proposed as answer by Slickjdip 2 hours 45 minutes ago