XL98: How to Remove External Data Connection Information

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Unlike earlier versions of Excel, hidden defined names are not created to store query definition information in Excel 98. Excel version 5.0 stores the connection string and Structured Query Language (SQL) statement in hidden defined names in the workbook. However, Excel 98 does not use this method for storing external data connection information. By choosing not to save the query definition in the External Data Range Properties dialog box, you remove all traces of external data connections.

To remove an external data range from a worksheet, follow these steps:

1. Click any cell in the data range. On the Data menu, point to Get External Data, and then click Data Range Properties.
2. In the External Data Range Properties dialog, clear the Save Query Definition option.
   
   NOTE: If you created multiple external data references you must clear the save query definition property for each data range.
3. The defined name that refers to the external data range remains in the workbook.
   
   Although this is not necessary, you may delete this name. The name, by default, is similar to ExternalData1. To delete the name, point to Name on the Insert menu and click Define. In the Define Name dialog box, click the name and click Delete.