Why do I receive a "The RPC Server is unavailable" error when using "xlsread"?

I receive the following error when using the "xlsread" function in MATLAB:

The RPC Server is not available.

Currently, I am encountering this error in all installed MATLAB versions. I have previously been able to use this function without issue.

Additionally, when I make two or more calls to the "xlsread" function within the same MATLAB session, the error changes to the following:

Error using xlsread (line 257)

Error registering events. 'WorkbookActivate' is not a valid event name.

How can I resolve these errors?

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

This issue is often caused by one or more Excel Add-ins conflicting with MATLAB's ActiveX interface object for Excel. Disable all Add-ins in Excel and confirm if "xlsread" can be used without error. 

Also note that the use of the "xlsread" function is not recommended for use as of MATLAB R2019a. Refer to the following documentation for recommended workflows:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/xlsread.html