How to fix
Retrieving data, wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again
on Windows

Hi! I was using Excel program - I needed to copy text to a different field. Once I tried to paste it, it did not work, however. Instead of pasting my selected text, Excel delivered a weird error message, which read: "Retrieving data, wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again". What kind of problem is this? How could I solve it?

"Retrieving data, wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again" error has been annoying many users worldwide. It sometimes appears while trying to paste the copied data from your Excel Worksheet to another application, document, or another version of the Excel program[ref en-1]. The issue was also spotted when trying to copy from the Web version of Excel to the Desktop one.

Retrieving data, wait a few seconds, and try to cut or copy again error message would be displayed instead of the data that was meant to be pasted into a new field. While it might seem that the problem might be related to a particular Excel or the operating system version, it is not the case at all.

The reason for the error to appear is relatively simple: it is to do with the data syncing process. For a very long time, Microsoft Office programs were used offline and did not have any additional functions or features that could be extended via the internet connection. Unfortunately, Windows XP and other versions used to crash, and all the data within the spreadsheet could be lost very easily.

To remediate this issue, Microsoft[ref en-2] began syncing all the data inserted into the program for backup purposes. In other words, each time you make a change to a document, this information is also transferred to an online server. Thus, each time you attempt to copy/cut and paste, and if the validation process fails, you receive the Retrieving data, wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again error instead.

Retrieving Data "Wait a Few Seconds and Try to Cut or Copy Again" error fix

We have displayed some methods to fix Retrieving Data. Wait a Few Seconds and Try to Cut or Copy Again methods below this text. Take a look at all of them and pick the most suitable one for you. However, if you have tried all of them and none of them worked, we have another solution for you. Try scanning the entire computer system with [rev id="Reimage] as this program might detect some rogue components or software that might be causing the issue and help you fix Retrieving data, wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again error automatically.

Method no. 1. Try using another web browser

IT experts have found out that Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge are the two browsers which usually end up having the Retrieving Data "Retrieving data, wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again" error problem. If you are using one of these web browsers and can't get rid of the problem, you should consider installing a different one. You can choose, for example, Google Chrome[ref en-3] or Mozilla Firefox.

Method no. 2. Download an offline copy of the document

If you are using on online version of the app, you should download an offline copy and perform document modifications via your computer. Do the following:

1. Open the document you are receiving the error on;
2. Click File and select Save as;
3. Pick Download a Copy.

Method no. 3. Re-paste the text to get rid of Retrieving Data Wait a Few Seconds and Try to Cut or Copy Again error

This is one of the simplest ways to take care of the Retrieving Data "Wait a few seconds and try to cut or copy again" error. It requires almost no effort, just repeating the same action again. However, you should definitely give it a try, it might fix the problem you are facing.

1. Deselect the fields that you are trying to copy/paste;
2. Wait (around a minute should be enough)
3. Select the fields(s) you want to copy and try pasting it again.

Method no. 4. Open the web app in the desktop version of Excel

If you are experiencing this problem while using the online Excel version, you can try opening the file in the desktop version one. Some users have found this method truly satisfying, maybe it will help you too.

1. Open your Excel Web app;
2. Go to File ---> Save as (Download as) ---> Microsoft Excel;
3. Wait until the file is downloaded and open it with the desktop variant of Excel.
   

   

If you complete all steps as described in the instructions, you should be able to successfully copy and paste without receiving the Retrieving Data "Wait a Few Seconds and Try to Cut or Copy Again" error.