Cannot open files from Windows Explorer

Question

In order to open up files in excel 2013 (csv, xlsx, or xls) i must open them directly from within Excel. If I double click a file from Windows Explorer, Excel opens up but does not open the file. No errors. Just a **** excel instance. It looks like I just opened up the application from my start screen.

Other Office 2013 applications work as expected. I.e, I can open up a docx from Windows Explorer just fine.

Answer 1

I am getting this problem and it isn't about the file association as the double click does indeed open Excel the problem is that Excel then does nothing. You can open files form inside Excel but not in any other fashion.

This is substandard, frustrating and there appears to be no help from Microsoft on the issue. All knowledge base articles are out of date or do not answer the specific question.

I really wish I hadn't bothered upgrading from 2007.

Answer 2

I had the same problem and here's how I fixed it:

Make sure you have a Shortcut ON THE DESKTOP for Excel.  That's what fixed it for me.  Really stupid but it works.

Cheers.

Answer 3

Hi,

Either the file is open but the "opened window is outside your screen view

solve with with view, arrange window

Or the file association with excel is incorrect

Solve it by, from the file explorer, right click the file, select Open With, Select Excel Program and also thick the box "always use this program to open"

Do this for all possible file types you want, eg xls xlsx xlsm xlst

IMHO do not associate csv file with Excel if you have any dates contained int that TEXT file

(csv file are only text files with a different file extension but are ONLY text files)

Regards

JY

Answer 4

This problem continues to occur 8 months later. Resolution remains the same: reinstall Office. It would have been good practice of Microsoft to implement a permanent fix by now. I agree with some of the previous comments: Office 2013 is not ready for prime time. Sadly 2013 reminds me of Vista. If you have not yet jumped on the bandwagon, stick with 2010; it works.

Answer 5

I'm having the exact same problem. It worked fine for a day or two, but now only opens files from within Excel. I thought my files were corrupt at first and went to look at backups, but when the backups also opened up "blank", I realized there was more to it. 

I've found numerous threads outside this one with the same problem and have tried a few of the fixes with no success.

Could this be a upgrade issue?