Error Message when trying to open an Excel File

Question

I have an older server that is running Office 2007. When I try to open certain excel docs i get the error below. I've already moved it a shorter file path where other excel files are located and run just fine, however the files from other locations will give off the error. The strange thing about the error is that in the 3rd bullet about which characters are not allowed, the pipe ( | ) is replaced with the file name that I'm trying to open and I presume that's why I'm getting the error as it thinks the name is a prohibited character. It does this with all the files causing the problem. I've tried renaming them and the error just updates the to the name of the file. Error code is 100107.

The file could not be accessed. Try one of the following:

• Make sure the specified folder exists.
• Make sure the folder that contains the file is not read-only.
• Make sure the file name does not contain any of the following characters: < > ? [ ] : filename.xls *.
• Make sure the file/path name doesn't contain more than 218 characters.

Answer 1

Hi Christian M, I'm Femi and I'd be happy to help you with your question. This issue occurs because of a character limit on creating and saving files in Office products. This issue occurs if the path of the file that you open or save meets the following condition: Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Access: The total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension, exceeds 259 characters. Microsoft Excel: The total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension, exceeds 218 characters. Kindly open the link below for detailed information on steps to take to troubleshoot this challenge. https://learn.microsoft.com/office/troubleshoot/office-suite-issues/error-open-document Kindly let me know if you require additional support.

Best Regards, Femi

Answer 2

Hi Femi,

Thanks for your response. I had already tried all the mentioned troubleshooting to no avail. One of my colleagues was able to get it to open the file by restarting Microsoft Click to Run services.

Thanks!

Answer 3

Glad you have been able to resolve this!