Excel no longer recognizes some functions after computer reboot

Question

after rebooting my computer, office demanded a product key, even though i've been using this version of office for over a year. after entering the product key, excel no longer recognizes the xlookup function; probably others too

Answer 1

It sounds like your version of Excel may not be fully activated or may have reverted to a limited functionality mode after the reboot and re-entry of the product key. The XLOOKUP function is available in Excel 365 and Excel 2021, so if your version has reverted to an older version or is not properly activated, it may not recognize this function.

Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Check Activation Status: Go to File > Account and check if your Office is activated. If it shows that it is not activated, you may need to enter the product key again or troubleshoot activation issues.
2. Repair Office: You can try repairing your Office installation. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select your Office installation, and choose Change. Then select Repair.
3. Update Office: Ensure that your Office is up to date. Go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
4. Reinstall Office: If the problem persists, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling Office to ensure that all components are correctly installed and activated.

If you continue to experience issues, it may be beneficial to consult Microsoft support for more specific assistance regarding your Office installation and activation.