Using Excel while queries are refreshing

[Factotum]

This may be a silly question, but does anyone know what the effect will be if I'm actively using other instances of Excel while the queries in another workbook are refreshing?

I've been working on linking a spreadsheet to a PowerPoint library. It pulls data from dozens (eventually hundreds) of files stored on a SharePoint site. My early testing stages are taking about 10 minutes for the query to refresh. Will it cause any problems, other than maybe slowing down the refresh, if I am actively working in other Excel workbooks? I know I can't do this while a macro is running, but it's allowing me to do it while a query is refreshing. Just wondering if there will be some unexpected consequences to this? Thanks!

 

[Richard U]

I wouldn't advise it. Excel is a memory hog, and having more than one instance of excel open at the time can put a tremendous strain on your system, especially if one is refreshing queries.

What this can lead to is your system running low on memory, and then, it's anyone's guess what could happen, though none of it would be good.

Best case scenario, your machine slows down. Worst is file corruption and/or inaccurate data. As a matter of course, I would avoid it.

EXCEPTION: If you have citrix or another virtual environment, it is safe to run an instance remotely and one locally.

 

[Factotum]

I kinda figured that would be the answer. Thanks for confirming my fears. As another option, and maybe this depends on computer settings, would a query continue to run/update if I locked my computer or it went into sleep mode? I'm thinking maybe I could start the refresh process before i leave the office and have it done when I come back in the morning?