Clear, practical technology insights BSOD Code Lookup · Windows Error Code Lookup · Wi-Fi Troubleshooting · PC Troubleshooting Checklist

How to Fix the Error Can Not Open Excel Files

Learn how to fix the Error Can Not Open Excel Files with practical troubleshooting steps, common causes, and prevention tips to keep the issue from returning.

Table of Contents

This guide explains how to resolve the Error Can Not Open Excel Files, starting with the most likely causes and moving through practical troubleshooting steps.

How to Fix the Error Can Not Open Excel Files screenshot

Here are ways to fix the error of not opening Excel file, please follow along.

1. Format error

If you open and see the error message "Excel cannot open the file 'filename. xlsx' because the file format or file extension is not valid. ' then it means your version of Excel is lower than the version The file has been created because the new. xls file can be opened in lower versions of Excel.

1. Format error screenshot 2

To open the. xlsx format, you need to install newer versions such as Office 2010, 2013 or 2016 to be able to easily open the file. Or you can change the file format from. xlsx to. xls by pressing F2 to rename then you change the format to. xls and press Enter

1. Format error screenshot 3

The message appears Are you sure you want to change it? (Are you sure you want to change?) Select Yes .

1. Format error screenshot 4

So you can open the file on any version of Excel.

2. Use the Open and Repair feature

Step 1 : Open a new Excel file, on the interface, select File -> Open -> Browse.

2. Use the Open and Repair feature screenshot 5

Step 2: Open the dialog box you navigate and select the Excel file you want to recover. Next, select the triangle icon next to Open and choose Open and Repair.

2. Use the Open and Repair feature screenshot 6

Step 3: A Microsoft Excel message box appears, select Repair to repair the file.

2. Use the Open and Repair feature screenshot 7

If in case that Repair is not possible, you perform again and select Extract Data to extract data.

2. Use the Open and Repair feature screenshot 8

3. Set the calculation options in Excel to manual

To open the workbook, try changing the calculation settings from automatic to manual, because the workbook will not be recalculated so it can be opened. You do the following:

Step 1 : Open a new Excel file, on the interface, select File -> Options (for Excel 2010, 2013, 2016).

3. Set the calculation options in Excel to manual screenshot 9

Step 2 : On the Excel Options window, select Formulas , in the Workbook Calculation section, select Manual and then OK to save.

3. Set the calculation options in Excel to manual screenshot 10

Step 3 : Choose File -> Open -> Browse and select the Excel file to open to open it.

3. Set the calculation options in Excel to manual screenshot 11

Chances are you will be able to open the Excel file after doing this way.

4. Use Easy Office Recovery software

You need to visit https://www. munsoft. com/EasyOfficeRecovery/ to download and install Easy Office Recovery software.

Step 1 : Open Easy Office Recovery software, on the interface, select File -> Open data file.

4. Use Easy Office Recovery software screenshot 12

A new window appears, select Open File and navigate and select the Excel file to fix.

4. Use Easy Office Recovery software screenshot 13

Step 2 : The Excel file will be displayed in the interface, to recover the file, click File -> Recover data.

4. Use Easy Office Recovery software screenshot 14

Step 3 : Click Browse to select the folder to save the Excel file after recovery and click Next .

4. Use Easy Office Recovery software screenshot 15

The message Files were successfully recovered appears that you have successfully recovered the corrupted Excel file. You try to open the folder containing the Excel file after recovering and open the file to see the results.

Above are ways to fix the error of not opening Excel file, hopefully with the ways that the article shared above, you can fix Excel file error. Good luck!

FAQ

What usually causes the Error Can Not Open Excel Files?

The cause may involve incorrect settings, outdated software, damaged files, permission problems, device compatibility, or a temporary system issue.

What should I try first to resolve the Error Can Not Open Excel Files?

Restart the affected app or device, install pending updates, verify settings and connections, and follow the troubleshooting steps in order.

How can I prevent the issue from returning?

Keep software updated, maintain backups, avoid interrupted installations, and review system or device settings after major changes.

Discussion

Reader Comments 0

Sign in with email or Google to join the discussion.