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Connection Status

X21 requires connections between multiple components. This guide helps troubleshoot connection problems.

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Connection Architecture

X21 uses this connection flow: 
Excel Task Pane (React UI)
    ↕ WebSocket (port 8000)
Deno Server
    ↕ HTTP (port 8080)
VSTO Add-in
    ↕ COM
Excel Application

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Connection Indicators

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Status Bar

In development mode, status bar shows: Connected (green dot): 
🟢 ws://localhost:8000
All systems operational Disconnected (red dot): 
🔴 ws://localhost:8000
WebSocket connection lost

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Error Messages

Cannot Connect: 
⚠️ Cannot connect to Deno server. Check that the backend is running.
Connection Lost: 
⚠️ Connection lost. Click Reconnect to restore.

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Checking Connections

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1. Check Deno Server

Windows (PowerShell): 
netstat -ano | findstr ":8000"
Expected output: 
TCP    0.0.0.0:8000    0.0.0.0:0    LISTENING    <PID>
If not running:
  1. Start Deno server manually
  2. Check installation
  3. Review server logs

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2. Check VSTO Add-in

Windows (PowerShell): 
netstat -ano | findstr ":8080"
Expected output: 
TCP    127.0.0.1:8080    0.0.0.0:0    LISTENING    <PID>
If not running:
  1. Check Excel add-ins list
  2. Enable X21 add-in
  3. Restart Excel

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3. Check Task Pane

In Excel:
  1. Look for X21 task pane
  2. Check for load errors
  3. Verify WebView2 is installed

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Common Connection Issues

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Cannot Connect to Deno Server

Symptoms:
  • Red connection indicator
  • Error on sending messages
  • Task pane loads but unresponsive
Causes & Solutions: 1. Deno not running 
Solution: Start Deno server
- Check startup scripts
- Review logs for startup errors
- Verify Deno installation
2. Port 8000 in use 
Solution: Find conflicting process
Windows: netstat -ano | findstr ":8000"
Kill process or change X21 port
3. Firewall blocking 
Solution: Allow port 8000
- Windows Firewall settings
- Add inbound rule for port 8000
- Or disable firewall temporarily to test
4. Wrong server address 
Solution: Verify configuration
- Check environment variables
- Ensure localhost:8000
- No proxy interfering

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VSTO Connection Issues

Symptoms:
  • Tool operations fail
  • Can’t read Excel data
  • Workbook metadata missing
Causes & Solutions: 1. VSTO not loaded 
Solution:
1. File → Options → Add-ins
2. Manage: COM Add-ins → Go
3. Check X21 is enabled
4. Restart Excel
2. Port 8080 in use 
Solution:
Windows: netstat -ano | findstr ":8080"
Kill conflicting process
Restart Excel
3. .NET Framework issue 
Solution:
- Verify .NET Framework 4.8 installed
- Repair .NET installation
- Check Windows Updates

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WebSocket Disconnections

Symptoms:
  • Connection drops during use
  • Frequent reconnection prompts
  • Streaming stops mid-response
Causes & Solutions: 1. Network instability 
Solution:
- Check network connection
- Use wired instead of WiFi
- Disable VPN temporarily
- Test with mobile hotspot
2. Server restart 
Solution:
- Normal if server restarted
- Click Reconnect
- Wait for server to fully start
3. Timeout 
Solution:
- Increase timeout settings
- Reduce request complexity
- Check for network issues

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Reconnection

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Automatic Reconnection

X21 attempts automatic reconnection:
  1. Connection lost detected
  2. Wait 2 seconds
  3. Attempt reconnect
  4. Retry up to 3 times
  5. Show manual reconnect button

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Manual Reconnection

If automatic fails:
  1. Click Reconnect button
  2. Wait for connection
  3. If fails, restart Excel
  4. Check server status

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After Reconnection

  • Previous conversation preserved
  • Pending operations may need retry
  • Token usage maintained

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Troubleshooting Steps

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Basic Troubleshooting

  1. Check status indicators
  2. Click Reconnect if available
  3. Restart Excel (clears state)
  4. Restart Deno server
  5. Check ports (8000, 8080)
  6. Review firewall settings

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Advanced Troubleshooting

  1. Check process list: 
    Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.ProcessName -like "*excel*" -or $_.ProcessName -like "*deno*"}
  2. Review logs:
    • Deno server logs
    • Excel VSTO logs
    • Browser console (F12 in task pane)
  3. Test ports: 
    Test-NetConnection -ComputerName localhost -Port 8000
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName localhost -Port 8080
  4. Network diagnostics:
    • Ping localhost
    • Check hosts file
    • Disable IPv6 if issues

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When All Else Fails

  1. Complete restart:
    • Close Excel
    • Stop Deno server
    • Wait 30 seconds
    • Start Deno server
    • Start Excel
  2. Reinstall:
    • Uninstall X21
    • Clear data folders
    • Reinstall fresh
    • Verify all prerequisites
  3. Contact support:
    • Collect logs
    • Document error messages
    • List troubleshooting steps tried
    • Email support

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Prevention

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Stable Connections

Best practices:
  • Keep Excel and Deno server running
  • Stable network connection
  • Don’t hibernate/sleep during use
  • Adequate system resources

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Configuration

Firewall rules: 
Allow inbound:
- Port 8000 (TCP) for Deno
- Port 8080 (TCP) for VSTO
Startup:
  • Ensure Deno starts before Excel
  • Check startup scripts run correctly
  • Verify environment variables set