Troubleshoot column link issues

Learn how to troubleshoot some of the most common issues that come up while using column links. 

Who can use this?

Plans:

  • Pro
  • Business
  • Enterprise

Permissions:

At least Viewer permissions in the source sheet and Admin permissions in the target sheet. 

Find out if this capability is included in Smartsheet Regions or Smartsheet Gov.

Here are some general troubleshooting steps to resolve simple errors and help identify larger issues.

Error messages 

Error messagePossible causeResolution
#NO_MATCHThe column link can't find a matching unique ID in the source sheet.

You need to confirm that the unique ID entered into the unique ID column on the target sheet exists in the source sheet, or check that you have configured your unique ID columns correctly in the column link configuration.

Instead of #NO_MATCH, you can create a custom value for specific columns if a match isn’t found. Learn more in the Create column links article.

#INVALID COLUMN VALUEYou tried to map columns that aren’t compatible.Follow the setup steps and refer to the column type table to see each type’s compatibility. 
MAXIMUM OF 10 SOURCE COLUMNS EXCEEDED FOR A SINGLE TARGET COLUMNYou tried to link more than 10 source columns to a single target column. When you create a column link, select a maximum of 10 source columns. 

Learn how to create column links in the Create column links article.

Common issues

If you set up a column link in a column with pre-existing data, the column link overwrites the data. 

The data isn’t updating from the source to the target sheet promptly

  • Possible cause: Cell links have become stale and need to be refreshed.
  • Troubleshooting steps:
    • Refresh the page. If you still have the same issue, wait a few minutes and try refreshing again.
    • If refreshing doesn’t work, re-link the column links by editing the configuration. Learn how to change column links in Manage column links.

Column is blank

  • Possible cause:
    • Your column link configuration is set to reference the incorrect column.
    • A column for the source or target sheet was empty in the mapping row.
  • Troubleshooting steps: Check that all mapping rows have a source and target sheet column. 

One or more columns can no longer be mapped

  • Possible cause: A column used in a column link configuration is deleted.
  • Troubleshooting steps:

    • Re-create the deleted column and replace it in the mapping.

      Or

    • Delete the mapping line from the configuration.

The source sheet has been deleted

  • Possible cause: The source sheet was deleted.
  • Troubleshooting steps:

    • Add the deleted sheet to the mapping.

      Or

    • Delete the entire column link configuration if it’s no longer needed. 

You can restore deleted sheets from the Deleted Items section. Learn more in the Recover a deleted sheet article.

By understanding these common issues and troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve column link errors and keep your data connected.