Manager - Finance & Accounts
58399 Points
Joined June 2010
Hi Siva Andhavarapu,
You're encountering a common issue that many users face during GSTR-9C JSON file generation in the Offline Utility when inserting DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) — the dreaded:
"Microsoft Excel is waiting for another application to complete an OLE action."
🔍 What This Error Means
This error is typically caused when Excel is trying to communicate with another application (like the DSC signer)via OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) — and that application either hangs, crashes, or doesn’t respond in time.
In your case, the Offline Utility is trying to trigger the EmSigner or the Digital Signature Controller, but Excel is stuck waiting.
✅ Step-by-Step Solutions
🔧 1. Enable "Ignore other applications that use DDE" in Excel
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Open Excel (not the JSON tool).
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Go to:
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Scroll to the General section.
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Check the box:
✅ “Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)”
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Click OK.
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Restart Excel and try again.
📝 This helps Excel stop waiting for external apps to respond.
🔧 2. Run Both Excel and DSC Signer as Administrator
⚠️ Required especially when using Java-based DSC utilities.
🔧 3. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
Some antivirus software blocks the DSC interaction, thinking it's unsafe.
🛡️ Don’t forget to re-enable it after testing.
🔧 4. Ensure Java and EmSigner Are Correctly Installed
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Make sure you're using the correct version of Java (usually Java 8).
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Reinstall the EmSigner (or GSTN-provided DSC utility).
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You can download the latest from https://www.gst.gov.in/download/dsc
🔧 5. Use a Clean Windows Profile or Different PC
If the issue persists:
⚠️ Bonus Tip: Use the Latest GSTR-9C Offline Tool
Always download the most updated version of the GSTR-9C Excel Utility from the official GST portal.
Older versions often trigger more compatibility problems with Excel and Windows security updates.