Cannot start source application for this object

Question

I am using Microsoft Excel 2016. When there are excel files embedded, I couldn't open and it shows "cannot start source application for this object" but it works fine on PDF files. I have tried all the ways found in Google search and they do not work.

So I tried to embed another existing excel file into an excel file, "link to file" is unchecked" and delete the file embedded from the recycle bin and the same pop up "cannot start source application for this object" occurs. Next I tried to save this excel file as Excel Binary Workbook & open with Open Office and I am able to open the embedded excel files. So the problem must be something to do with excel since another program can open the embedded files. Any solutions for this?

Answer 1

Hi sheren sheren,

Thanks for reaching out. I hope you're having a great day, in spite of the issues you're experiencing in Excel. Let's try to address your concern.

I wasn't able to replicate your concern in my end, here are the steps I've performed to do this:

1. Open a new workbook in Excel.
2. Click on a cell, then go to Insert tab > In the Text group, select Object.
3. Go to Create from File tab, then click Browse and searched for an existing Excel file. Link to file and Display as icon is unchecked.
4. Select OK.

Here's the result:

5. Saved the file as Excel Workbook.

I would like to clarify, does the issue occur on any Excel file you embed? Does the same thing happen on a new workbook? If yes, kindly make sure that all Office updates are installed. To check, see this link for instruction on how to install updates. I would suggest that you start Excel in safe mode, and see if there are add-ins that might be causing this.

If the issue also occurs in safe mode, try repairing Excel. If the issue still persists after repairing Excel, I highly recommend that you reinstall Office. There's a possibility that there are corrupted system files that's hindering Excel to work properly.

If you have an Office 365 subscription, you may contact our Office 365 chat support team at no cost, to take advantage of your subscription.

To notify me and have me get back to you, simply reply to this post.

Answer 2

I have noticed that you have not replied to my last response. I would like to know if the issue you have raised to us is still on-going. If yes, please reply back to the thread so we can continue troubleshooting your concern.

Regards.

Answer 3

Hi,

I tried your method, it doesn't work.

The issue only occurs when I embed excel files. PDF files are working well.

I realize that when the source file that I embed is from other's computer / already deleted from my computer, then I will get

Cannot start source application for this object

when I click on the embed icon.

Answer 4

I appreciate your response. I'd like to confirm, the file, that you're trying to embed is already deleted on your computer? Does the same thing happen when embedding a file that is save in your computer?

That may be the reason why you're getting the error messages, since the file is already deleted on your computer.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Answer 5

I have noticed that you have not replied to my last response. I would like to know if the issue you have raised to us is still on-going. If yes, please reply back to the thread so we can continue troubleshooting your concern.

Regards.