diff --git a/src/aare/gui/panels/scan_settings_panel.py b/src/aare/gui/panels/scan_settings_panel.py
index 04d67301..f6085ade 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/panels/scan_settings_panel.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/panels/scan_settings_panel.py
@@ -48,9 +48,24 @@ from aare.gui.widgets.number_line_edit import NumberLineEdit
 logger = setup_logger(LOGGER_NAME)
 
 
-def _as_float(value: Any) -> float | None:
-    """Spreadsheet values arrive as numbers or as strings; an empty cell is None."""
-    return None if value is None else float(value)
+# Columns already reported as unusable, so the status loop says it once.
+_BAD_COLUMNS: set[str] = set()
+
+
+def _spreadsheet_float(params: Any, column: str) -> float | None:
+    """One cell of the sample's spreadsheet row, as a float. An empty cell, a
+    cell that does not hold a number, and a column aareDB does not have all
+    read as None: aareDB owns these names, and a renamed column must not kill
+    the status loop. Each bad column is reported once - pydantic's own message
+    names the column it expected instead."""
+    try:
+        value = getattr(params, column)
+        return None if value is None else float(value)
+    except (AttributeError, TypeError, ValueError) as e:
+        if column not in _BAD_COLUMNS:
+            _BAD_COLUMNS.add(column)
+            logger.error(f"Ignoring the aareDB parameter {column!r}: {e}")
+        return None
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -71,16 +86,16 @@ class SampleParameters:
         params = None if sample is None else sample.aaredb_params
         if params is None:
             return cls()
-        transmission = _as_float(params.transmission)
+        transmission = _spreadsheet_float(params, "transmission")
         if transmission is not None and transmission > 1.0:
             # aareDB holds transmission either as a fraction or as a percentage
             transmission = transmission / 100.0
         return cls(
-            resolution_a=_as_float(params.targetresolution),
+            resolution_a=_spreadsheet_float(params, "targetresolution"),
             transmission=transmission,
-            total_angle_deg=_as_float(params.totalrange),
-            image_angle_deg=_as_float(params.oscillation),
-            exp_time_s=_as_float(params.exposure),
+            total_angle_deg=_spreadsheet_float(params, "totalangle"),
+            image_angle_deg=_spreadsheet_float(params, "oscillation"),
+            exp_time_s=_spreadsheet_float(params, "exposure"),
         )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/unit/gui/test_data_collection_settings.py b/tests/unit/gui/test_data_collection_settings.py
index a1a45d2c..70d296a8 100644
--- a/tests/unit/gui/test_data_collection_settings.py
+++ b/tests/unit/gui/test_data_collection_settings.py
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def test_sample_parameters_translate_the_spreadsheet_row():
     params = types.SimpleNamespace(
         targetresolution=1.5,
         transmission=20.0,  # percent
-        totalrange="180",  # spreadsheet cells can arrive as text
+        totalangle="180",  # spreadsheet cells can arrive as text
         oscillation=0.1,
         exposure=0.02,
     )
@@ -64,6 +64,14 @@ def test_sample_parameters_are_empty_without_a_sample():
     assert SampleParameters.from_sample(None) == SampleParameters()
 
 
+def test_a_column_aaredb_does_not_have_is_ignored():
+    # aareDB owns these names: a renamed column must leave the panel on its
+    # defaults, not break the status loop it is read from.
+    params = types.SimpleNamespace(targetresolution=1.5)
+    sample = cast(Any, types.SimpleNamespace(aaredb_params=params))
+    assert SampleParameters.from_sample(sample) == SampleParameters(resolution_a=1.5)
+
+
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Rotation panel
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------