When opening a file directly, add-ins do not load in Excel.

Question

When I open an Excel file by double clicking the file directly (with the Excel 2010 application closed), Excel 2010 opens the file but does not load any third-party add-ins. I checked the COM add-ins and the add-ins are checked, but, they are not showing up on the Ribbon.

However, if I open up the Excel application first (with a default workbook), the add-ins load normally. Further, the add-ins remain loaded if I then open a file (the same file that I previously tried to directly open) from the Excel Open Dialog box. However, even if the application is running with the add-ins displayed in the Ribbon, should I double click a file directly, it will open in a new instance where the add-ins once again are not visible in the Ribbon.

I am at a loss and would appreciate any ideas.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I figured out the problem:

There was a phantom instance of Excel hanging around in the background. Once I destroyed the process, it started behaving as expected.

Answer 2

Hi Brian, Can you please detail how you resolve your issues. I am having same problem and am having difficulty pinning the issue.

Regards,

SA

Answer 3

Open up your task explorer (ctrl + alt + esc), (2) select the tab, "processes," (3) show processes from all users, (4) sort processes by name, (5) select all instances of the program you want to shut down (one at a time) and click "end process"

Answer 4

I am having a similar problem in that the addin for Acrobat 9 will not show at start up; but not with the application or a specific file. How did you locate and destroy your phantom Excel? 

This began on the removal of the sample version of PDF Complete installed with Excel.  And I have tried removing and replacing the COM addin Acrobat 9 pdf maker.

Answer 5

Glad to know that your issue is resolved.