Excel file too large to open

Question

Hi, i'm trying to open a 2GB Excel file. I'm running a 64 bit system with an 8th gen intel i7 processor, 16GB ram, running a 64 bit Excel (Office 365). Whenever i try to open the file, the ram consumed by Excel steadily rises up to 7GB and then falls (ram usage reaches 72%), failing to open the file. I also tried using safe mode but i am still unable to open the file. 

The file was created in some way, meaning that there should be a way to run it. I'd appreciate i someone could shed some light on this issue. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

How was the file created? Is it just a database? You may be able to use Power Query to extract the data from it, but given its size I would say that you should be moving to a database application.

Answer 2

2GB is just within the limit for 32 bit Excel, and should be no problem for your computer.

.

First, confirm that you have 64 bit Office installed. File menu > Account command and look through info displayed. It should say if you have 32 or 64 bit. If not, click on the About button.  Although 64 bit is now the default installation, some people still get 32 bit.

.

Office apps have this neat "feature". They often can save files that are larger than they can later open.  Cool, but annoying.

.

You are conflating the 2 types of "memory" in your computer.  File size and computer / CPU RAM.  A 2GB file size should only open to use slightly over that amount of RAM when you include the excel session. BUT, an excel file with lots of calculations, can use more RAM than the file size.

.

So, you need to talk to the source of the file. Is it simply data, or does it have formulas that do calculations?  Ask them to provide a smaller version of the file, less data to see if you can open it.  To provide more specific suggestions we need more information about how the file is created.

Answer 3

Thanks for the reply!

My pc only has physical memory installed, all 16GB of it. The file contains multiple datasets, formulae, diagrams, pivots, references to external files etc.

I've even tried using a much stronger remote desktop to open it, without success. It is my belief that the issue lies within Excel. I've checked it and ti do actually have the 64-bit version.

Is there nothing i can do before getting back to the source?

Answer 4

Thanks for the reply, the file was given to me as part of a project. What do you mean with database application, apologies, i'm not really adept in this kind of stuff.

Answer 5

Sorry, none of my notes have specific suggestions for files that simply won't open because it is using too much RAM

.

When you talk to the file creator, ask them if they are able to open the file before they sent it to you.  For example, recently I've been getting a lot of "File corrupt" errors when I download example files people are trying to share. They, and others can open it , I and a couple of others can't. No explanation (yet ... ).

.

A quick google found a couple of tips (which I've added to my notes...). This first one is based on much older versions of office, but has some ideas that may still work.

"Google is your friend" ... try some internet searches for other suggestions.

Workbook, Once Created, is Too Big for Memory2019 12 31

https://excel.tips.net/T002545_Workbook_Once_Created_is_Too_Big_for_Memory.html

Subscriber John Hersey created a worksheet that contained lots and lots of information. In column A he placed 65534 words (rows 1 through 65534), then in columns B through Z he placed formulas to the side of all those words. When he saved the workbook and tried to reopen it, he got a "Not Enough Memory" error. Since the workbook only took 84MB on the disk, and he has 512MB in his system, the error message seemed confusing.

.

This tip has a few ideas, I have no idea about the quality of the utility they are pushing

Not Enough- Excel Not Enough Memory           2020 07 18

https://recoverit.wondershare.com/office-document-repair/excel-not-enough-memory.html

In this article, you will be shown the symptoms and causes of Excel memory error; how to avoid seeing the error message “Excel not enough memory” and how to fix your corrupt Excel with Stellar File Repair.

Microsoft Excel tends to experience memory issues more often than you think, the version of Microsoft notwithstanding. So, do not be shocked when you see the memory error message on your screen while you are trying to work with, or save, files to your Excel.

This article will show you the symptoms of this message and the different causes (to prevent the error from occurring in the future). Also, you will be given various solutions to try in getting rid of the error message, as well as comprehensive steps on how to fix any corrupt Excel file that may result from this error, using the Stellar File Repair software.

.  *  Part 1: Excel Not Enough Memory Symptoms and Causes

.  *  Part 2: How You Can Avoid Seeing This Message

.  *  Part 3: How to Repair Excel File Corrupted/ Damaged by Various Reasons

.  *  Part 4: Other Common Excel Issues You May Encounter

.

.

One more thing you can try is starting Excel in "Safe Mode". This disables addins. Maybe that will help. 

.

Shortcut to Start Word in Safe Mode or Excel in Safe Mode, Hold <CTL> key when clicking on icon orusing the Start menu search window and entering WINWORD.EXE /a or  WINWORD.EXE /safe  Don’t Assume ANYTHING!

.

Don’t assume some part of the trouble shooting processes listed below doesn’t apply to you. Often there are things going on in the background that you just aren’t aware of. For example, when installing software it is all too easy to have an unwanted app installed if you don’t carefully read every screen.

.

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Work-with-Office-safe-modes-dedf944a-5f4b-4afb-a453-528af4f7ac72

************* Optional Reading *************

.

Fix: “Microsoft Word has stopped working” – Turn off Addins in Pictures

**http://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-microsoft-word-has-stopped-working**

.

**How to find out whether any Word Add-ins have been installed**

.

**Enable or disable add-ins in Office programs - Support - Office.com**

.