To fix the issue of Excel not opening a blank document and giving an error message that the file format or extension is not valid, you can try the following options in the given order:
Option 1: Check for hidden sheets
- Go to the View tab.
- Select Unhide.
- Select a workbook from the list.
- Select OK.
Option 2: Minimizing and maximizing the window
- In the top-right corner of the Excel spreadsheet, select the minimize button.
- In the task tray, right-click Excel, and then select your spreadsheet. (Or double click the Excel icon.)
- After your sheet is maximized, your data may appear.
Option 3: Disable hardware acceleration
- Start any Office 2013, Office 2016, Office 2019, or Microsoft 365 Apps program.
- On the File tab, select Options.
- In the Options dialog box, select Advanced.
- In the list of available options, select the Disable hardware graphics acceleration check box.
Option 4: Repair Office
- Try to repair your Office programs. To do this, follow the steps for your installation type and operating system.
If none of the above options work, you can contact Microsoft Support for additional troubleshooting help.
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