Can't read Excel file

Question

I received an Excel file by email, when I open it in Microsoft Office I have only an empty grid, no data.  Why? Other files open fine.

Answer 1

You actually come to wrong Forum you need to go to the Excel Forum.

However since you’re here:

1. Try selecting the entire sheet
2. Select all and change the Font.
3. See if the information reappears.
4. If it works then Try to go back to that Font.

If that solves the Problem You need to Check your fonts with FontBook a Procedure called Font Weeding

Use either :

http://word.mvps.org/Mac/fontweeding.html

or

http://www.officeformachelp.com/office/font-management/

and if you have Mountain Lion (OSX.8.x).

Read the tips here:

http://www.phillipmjones.net/Font_Book.html

If none of this helps Trot on over the Excel Forum

Answer 2

Well, you can't "...open it in Microsoft Office" because 'Office' isn't a program :-) It's a suite of several programs, so I assume you're opening the file with Excel even though you've posted to the forum that focuses on Word issues.

What you're describing is typically indicative of a font conflict. One option is to select the entire worksheet [Command+A] then pick a different font. If the content shows up you should be in business, although there may be a need to do some adjusting -- it depends on the difference in font metrics.

You might want to take it a step further in order to help avoid the issue in the future. The procedure described ***here*** should clear up any existing font problems on your Mac (although it hasn't been updated for the latest versions of Font Book). Unfortunately, you cannot control what other users choose to do in the files they send you... Many will use any font they like without understanding that other systems may not be able to display the content.