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Note

I found with my Macbook Pro that getting 'close enough' still resulted in an occasionally flaky system, and I had to not only get the correct memory speed, but the same timing for it to work. That said, it does support twice as much memory as Apple states, and many people do find success adding more memory than apple recommends. Fix - There isn’t Enough Memory to Complete this Action in MS Excel#Excel #fixExcel #exceltips. Same issue and I'm proposing the solution that worked for me. It was not RAM, not VRAM, not hardware or software. The solution wasn't that involved. Frederick Weme pointed me in the right direction. Open the file and save it as a different version of Excel. The key thing the client said 'I've been using this for years now it's broken'. A.olm file is the data file used by Outlook for Mac to archive your email messages, contacts, calendar items, tasks, and notes. If you're moving from one Mac to another or upgrading from Outlook for Mac 2011 to Outlook 2016 for Mac or Outlook 2019 for Mac, export your email messages, contacts, calendar items, tasks, and notes to a.olm file first (How do I export to a.olm file?

Office 365 ProPlus is being renamed to Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. For more information about this change, read this blog post.

Symptoms

When you work with a Microsoft Excel file, you receive one of the following messages:

Cause

The above memory error messages can be generic and don't always identify the real cause of the issue. However, if your file is large or contains a large number of features, it is possible you are running low on available memory resources.

Before we explore the more common reasons for the memory errors, it good to understand Excel's limitations. See the following resources for more information:

If you are not hitting a resource limitation, these are the most common resolutions.

Resolution

Follow the provided methods in this article to resolve the available resource error message in Excel. If you have previously tried one of these methods and it did not help, go to another method from this list:

Method 1: Contents of the spreadsheet

The first thing to determine is if the error is specific to one workbook (or others created from the same template). Typical actions that cause memory error messages are:

• Inserting a row or column
• Sorting
• Performing calculations
• Copy and pasting
• Opening or closing the workbook
• Running VBA

If you are seeing the error when performing any of the above actions, it's time to look to determine what is going on in your file. These will be addressed in the sections below.

Calculations

If you are inserting rows and columns, performing calculations, or copying and pasting and receive the message, it can be tied to formulas having to recalculate.

Consider this scenario:

You have a spreadsheet with 1 million formulas on a sheet and you insert a new column. This will force Excel to recalculate all the formulas in the spreadsheet adjusting for the new column that you inserted. It is possible, depending on the complexity of your spreadsheet, bitness of Excel, and how the spreadsheet is built, and what formulas are used, that you receive the out of resources error.

The following articles address how to optimize performance with calculations:

Other Spreadsheet Elements

Other areas that can cause the memory issues are excess shapes, complex PivotTables, macros, and complex charts with many data points. The following article walks through identifying and fixing these issues.

Custom Views in a Shared Workbook

If you are using the feature Shared Workbook (Review Ribbon > Share Workbook), cleaning out the Custom Views may help with available memory. To do this;

1. On the View Ribbon
2. Custom Views on the dialog choose Delete

Deleting Custom Views doesn't delete anything in the spreadsheet, it does delete the print areas, and filters. These can easily be reapplied.

If your issue is not resolved after you clean up the file, go to method 2.

Method 2: Verify/install the latest updates

You might have to set Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates. Installing any important, recommended, and optional updates can frequently correct problems by replacing out-of-date files and fixing vulnerabilities. To install the latest Office updates, click the link specific to your version of Windows and follow the steps in that article.

Operating system updates:

Office updates:

For more information about Office updates, see Office downloads & updates.

If your issue is not resolved after you install the updates, go to method 3.

Method 3: Add-ins interfering

Check the Add-ins that are running, and try disabling them to see if Excel is working properly. Follow the directions in the following article to disable the add-ins.

If you find that Excel is no longer giving you the error after you remove the add-ins, then it is recommended to contact the manufacturer of the add-in for support.

If your issue is not resolved after you remove the add-ins, go to method 4.

Method 4: Test disabling Preview/Details Pane in Windows 7

If you are running Windows 7, try disabling the preview and details panes in Windows. You will have to disable them in three locations.

Windows Explorer:

1. Right click on Start button
2. Click Open Windows Explorer
3. Click Organize | Layout
4. Uncheck Details Pane and Preview Pane

Excel:

1. Click File | Open
2. Click Organize | Layout
3. Uncheck Details Pane and Preview Pane Outlook:
4. Open a new e-mail
5. In the 'Include' group on the Ribbon, click Attach File
6. Click Organize | Layout
7. Uncheck Details Pane and Preview Pane

If your issue is not resolved after you turn off preview and details panes, go to method 5.

Method 5: Test a different Default Printer

When Excel launches, it uses the default printer to help render the file. Try testing with the 'Microsoft XPS Document Writer' as the default printer and see if we continue to get the error. To do this;

1. Close Excel
2. Open the printer and faxes window (XP) or Devices and Printers (Vista, 7, 8, 10)
3. Right-click the 'Microsoft XPS Document Writer' printer
4. Click Set as Default

If your issue is not resolved after you change your default printer, go to method 6.

Method 6: Test without Antivirus

Antivirus can sometimes cause problems by continuously trying to scan the Excel file or something in the file. Many times the memory error will be random and will be found with any spreadsheet. Test this by shutting off the antivirus temporarily, or by not having Excel files scanned. In some cases, the AV will need to be removed.

If your issue is not resolved after you turn off antivirus, go to method 7.

Method 7: Test with 64-bit version of Excel

Working with large Excel files can use the memory available to the 32-bit Excel application. In any 32-bit application there is a 2-GB limitation.

If your processes need to use more than 2 GB's, then you need to carefully consider moving to Microsoft Excel 64-bit version. The 64-bit version will allow all available physical RAM on the machine to be used. If you are interested in researching 64-bit versions, see 64-bit editions of Office 2013.

If your issue is not resolved after testing on 64 bit, go to method 8.

Method 8: Other applications are consuming the computer's memory and not enough is being allocated to Excel

Does the message clear up for some time after you reboot or shut off some of your applications? That's probably a good sign this is your issue, follow the steps to shut down some of the extra applications running on your computer.

More Information

Additional article

If the information in this article did not help resolve the error in Excel, select one of the following options:

• More Microsoft online articles:Perform a search to find more online articles about this specific error
• Help from the Microsoft Community online:Visit the Microsoft Community and post your question about this error
• Contact Microsoft support:Find the phone number to contact Microsoft Support

To identify your MacBook Pro model, use the information in How to identify MacBook Pro models.

Once you're sure which model you have, find it in the list below to go to the instructions for that model. Note: Apple notebooks not listed in this table have non-removable memory.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro (13-inch) models:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory you're installing is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outwards direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outwards again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outwards direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outwards again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable model

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

Memory specifications

Please use the table below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the access door

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, security lock and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and locate the latch. Push down to release the latch and remove the access door that covers the battery and hard drive.
3. The latch must be in its released, open position to remove the access door.

Step 2: Remove the battery

With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the tab to remove the battery.

Step 3: Remove the bottom case

1. Remove the eight screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and then remove the bottom case.
   Important: Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place.
   
2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 4: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push out the ejection levers on the sides of the memory module to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the ejection levers again.
2. Hold the memory module by the notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 5: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat, if necessary, to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
   

Step 6: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the eight screws.

Step 7: Replace the battery

To replace the battery, make sure the latch is in its open position. Hold the battery at an angle and slide the lipped edge of the battery below the brackets on the outside edge of the battery bay. Gently press the battery down.

Step 8: Replace the access door

With the latch in the open position replace the access door, making sure it is level with the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and press the latch into the closed position.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 17-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outwards direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you can't find the notches, try pressing the levers outwards again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure your memory is installed according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Not Enough Memory Excel For Mac 2011 Full

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Refer to this table for the maximum amount of memory that can be recognised by these notebook computers:

Removing or installing memory

You will need to remove the battery before installing additional memory and reinstall the battery after installing the memory. The following procedure includes all the necessary instructions for both parts of the process.

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the battery

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn the computer over.
3. Locate the battery release latches on each side of the battery.
4. Slide both latches up. The battery should pop up slightly.
5. Lift the battery out.
   

Step 2: Remove the memory door

Excel 2016 Not Enough Memory

1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the memory door and remove it from the battery bay of your computer. Depending on the model of your MacBook Pro, you may have three or four screws.
   
2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 3: Remove existing memory (if present)

If you need to remove a memory card – for example if you are replacing it or if you need to get past the memory in the top slot to access the bottom slot – you can remove the card by spreading the tabs on each side of the card away from the notches in the memory card. The card should pop up slightly. Lift the memory card to about a 25-degree angle and then gently slide the card out of the memory slot.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 4: Install memory

1. Insert the new memory card at a 25-degree angle. Line up the notch in the card with the small tab in the memory slot and slide the card into the slot until the gold edge is almost invisible. Firmly press the memory card into the memory slot. You might feel some resistance.
2. Gently spread the small tabs in the memory slot away from the notches and push the memory card down until the two tabs on either side of the card lock into place.
3. Insert any additional memory into the second slot.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
   

Step 5: Replace the memory door

Not Enough Memory Excel Mac 2011

Replace the memory door, and make sure the door is lying flat before you screw it back into place.

Excel Not Enough Memory Error

Step 6: To insert the battery

1. Place the bottom edge of the battery into the battery compartment at an angle, as shown below.
2. Gently press the top edge of the battery down until the battery latch locks into place.
   

Learn more

Not Enough Memory Excel 365

Checking that your computer recognises the new memory

Excel Says Not Enough Memory

After installing additional memory, you should confirm that the computer recognises the new memory. To check the computer’s memory:

1. Start up your computer.
2. When you see the Mac OS X desktop, choose the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar, then choose About This Mac.

The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple () and then About This Mac. Then, click More Info and then Memory from the Hardware section that appears in System Profiler.

If your computer doesn’t recognise the memory or doesn’t start up correctly, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro and that it is installed correctly by reseating the memory.