In Excel 2010 i was able to use the external parameters within MS Query returning that data right into a pivot table.  But the parameter on the worksheet will not save in the paremeter setting of the data connection.  And if you save it and open it and try to refresh the pivot table Excel stops responding and you have to force the file closed.  I found out the reason to crash is that it did not keep the parameter saved.

Can this be fixed?

Would you change name of Database but write select into this case. What kind of Lang your use (MSSQL, Oracle, other)

You can use wrong input format or wrong declare variables.

Hi,

Just checking in to see if the information of Oskar was helpful. Please let us know if you would like further assistance.

I have the same problem.  Excel does not save the parameters I specify for queries that are put into pivottables.  When I reopen the file, I have to set all the parameter references again.  If I don't set the parameters again, Excel crashes when I refresh the queries or try to save the file.

This is in Excel 2010.  Oskar's answer wasn't helpful.  This appears to be a bug in Excel, and is unrelated to the data source.

Hello,

This continues to be an unsolved issue. 

If any one has found a 'clean' work around, please let us know.

If MS has fixed this issue (worked prior to Win2007), please let us know.

Excel 2010 with free PowerPivot and Power Query Add-Ins.
Both tools import external databases directly into PivotTables.
Shared sample files would clarify stuff.