Excel Version 365 object error: Cannot start the source application for this object.

Question

Hello. I have been struggling with this issue for several days now and nothing I have tried so far works.

What I am doing: Inserting a Word file into an Excel worksheet using the following steps: Insert/object/Create From File/Browse and select word document/tick "link to file box" and "tick display as icon box". The icon and link appear on the screen where I want it and everything looks right BUT...

The problem: when I double-click to open, I get the error message "Cannot start the source application for this object." Here are the things I have tried doing:

1. Restarting the application several times.
2. Restarting my computer several times.
3. Repairing my 365 by both quick fix and the online fix, accessed through: right click windows icon/Apps and Features/click microsoft 365/modify
4. Opening Excel, clicking on File/options/ and checking the following boxes...if they weren't already checked. There was no difference. List of checked boxes below:

In Advanced/General: "Ignore other applications that use DDE" is UNchecked.

5. Opening a brand new excel document and inserting both a different word document AND a PowerPoint file, and I got the same error message with both.

Is there something else that I have missed to create this issue? I have found another thread on this subject, but it seems as though after the above suggestions were followed, no one had anything to add. Thank you.

Answer 1

Safemode is perfectly safe and easy to use as per the instructions in the link above. After you have loaded it in safe mode and then closed the application the next time you load Excel normally it will run in normal mode.

I am very keen to know if using Safemode resolves the issue however I understand if you’re not confident in doing this.

Unfortunately as an advisor I am unable to remotely view your screen or control it.

The only option would be for the Microsoft Support Team to assist you which you can do by following the below instructions:-

In order to schedule a call back from Microsoft Windows support team, we need to use the native Help app. If you’re not sure how to use the app, complete the given below directions to schedule a call back from Microsoft right from your Windows desktop.

Step 1: In the Start or taskbar search box, type GetHelp, and then press Enter key to launch Help app.

Enter a short summary of the product and assistance you require It will then present you with a list of support documents that may be helpful in resolving the issue.

If none of these are appropriate select the blue contact support button at the bottom of the screen

Select the product or service your question relates to

Select the Category of the question from the list presented or the nearest if no option is correct.

Select Confirm

On the next screen you will be presented with the available support options for your locale.

Chat is the default method

If your local support centre is still in operational hours for the category of question then you will be able to select the call back by selection the option of providing phone number for call back.

After selecting this

Select your country and enter the phone number you would like to receive the call back on.

Give back to the community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating of this reply solved your problem. Please click Yes or No below.

If you require any further information then please don’t hesitate getting it contact. I will be more than happy to assist you further.

Kind regards

Tim

Answer 2

Thanks Tim. I don't have any add-ins unless they are included as a default. I don't like going into safe mode, and I may do a lot more harm than good, plus spending a lot of precious time troubleshooting something that may not turn up anything. I would really like to skip that if I can for now. Do you have any other suggestions that I could try that aren't so scary? lol. Thanks.

Answer 3

Hi,

Thanks for getting back to me.

So, if you’re able to open in safe mode without any issues. You would run in safe mode and then use a process of elimination by enabling one add in at a time and then using the program until you find the culprit that is causing your problem.

You can find more information about add ins and how to add or remove them by using the Microsoft Support Document link below:-

https://support.microsoft.com/article/0af570c4-5cf3-4fa9-9b88-403625a0b460

Now there is every chance that this method may not work however it is an additional sequence to use to try and an identify your issue.

I hope makes sense for you.

Give back to the community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating of this reply solved your problem. Please click Yes or No below.

If you require any further information then please don’t hesitate getting it contact. I will be more than happy to assist you further.

Kind regards

Tim

Answer 4

Hi, Tim. Thank you for your reply. If I were to open Excel in safe mode, what would I need to do to try to fix this? Could you elaborate some steps for me, please? Still trying to wrap my noodle around how Safe mode could be an option to try. Thanks so much.

Answer 5

Hi Nanna H,

My name is Tim and I’m sorry to see you’re experiencing issues. I will gladly assist you today.

I can see you have tried a lot of various options to try and solve the issue without success.

Have you tried opening Excel in safe mode?

If not you can use the below Microsoft Support Document link instructions to try this:-

https://support.microsoft.com/article/dedf944a-5f4b-4afb-a453-528af4f7ac72

Give back to the community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating of this reply solved your problem. Please click Yes or No below.

If you require any further information then please don’t hesitate getting it contact. I will be more than happy to assist you further.

Kind regards

Tim