IBM Support

"The specified network name is no longer available" error when running Excel link reports (using Optimise2/ERO)

Troubleshooting


Problem

User opens Excel link report (XLSX file). User clicks 'F9' to run/refresh the report.
An error appears.

Symptom

image-20190510090557-1
System.Web.Services.Protocols.SoapException: Server was unable to process request. ---> System.IO.IOException: The specified network name is no longer available.
at Cognos.Controller.Proxy.CCRWS.ExcelLinkB_FetchValuesBulk(String sGuid, String sKeys, String sMcurr,....

Cause

Networking problem (between Controller application server and database server) relating to ERO ("Enhanced Reporting Optimisation", which is also referred to as "Optimise2").
Example:
In one real-life customer case, the cause was a problem with the network share on the SQL database server.

Resolving The Problem

Fix:
Solve the problem with the network share (referred to in the ERO settings).
Steps:
1. Logon to the Controller application server
2. Launch 'Controller Configuration' (from the start menu)
3. Open the section 'Enhanced Reporting Optimisations'
4. Inside 'Select Connection' choose the relevant database connection (the one that your user is using)
5. Make a note of the settings, for example:
image-20190510093617-1
6. Logon to the Controller application server using the windows user mentioned
  • For example 'mydomain\controller_system'
7. Open the share mentioned
  • For example:    \\VBRACONTSQL4\Optimise2
8. Troubleshoot/solve any errors that you find during steps 6 & 7.
Workaround:

Disable the use of ERO (also known as 'Optimise2') on the 'bad' spreadsheet report.

  • This will cause the spreadsheet to run more slowly (compared with having Optimise2 enabled), but it will work OK (no error).
 
Steps:

1. Open the spreadsheet report inside Excel

2. Click 'Formulas' - 'Name Manager':


3. Delete the entry called 'Optimise2' (which refers to the cell A1)

4. Save changes and test.

Document Location

Worldwide

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Document Information

Modified date:
10 May 2019

UID

ibm10884122