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Compatibility mode - in Excel on a Mac

Anonymous
2023-02-15T15:53:15+00:00

Hi, any help would be appreciated. 

I have received an Excel file which is in Compatibility Mode and I cannot open it to make necessary changes. I am using Excel Ver 16.69 for Mac. 

Mac M1 mini - Monterey 12.6

What should I do?

Stag

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | MacOS

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Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 436K Reputation points
2023-02-15T17:02:03+00:00

The fact that Excel is in Compatibility Mode is not what prevents most changes from being made. It simply means that the file is saved in an old file type which doesn't support some of the newer features of the program. Those features cannot be used.

Use Save As to save a copy in the current .xlsx file type [or .xlsm if it contains macros] then close & reopen the file to see if conditions improve. If not, it may be that some form of Protection is applied in the file.

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 436K Reputation points
    2023-02-16T17:17:58+00:00

    Once again, why are you submitting a reply which rewords what has already been covered by others? You've added nothing but unnecessary length to the thread.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-02-15T16:43:13+00:00

    Sorry about that.

    I can open the file, but cannot edit it.I need to be able to get it out of Compatibility mode in order to carry out any edits/updates to the file.

    Hope that helps,

    Stag

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  3. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2023-02-15T16:35:38+00:00

    Hi

    I'm not understanding your scenario. In order for a file to be in Compatibility Mode it first has to be opened. Yet you say the file can't be opened, so I am confused.

    Can you be more specific? What software or web site are you using to try to open the file? Do you get an error message when you try to open the file? If yes, what does the error message say?

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-02-15T16:27:48+00:00

    Hello

    I am Prakash and happy to help you with your question, I'm a Microsoft consumer like you.

    Please verify that the file is not write protected.

    Please Open Excel -> File -> Click Open -> Select that file and see if you are able to edit the file.

    In case of additional questions, reach out back to us, and we will be happy to help and try our best to resolve your issue.

    Best Regards, Prakash

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