Not enough memory????

Question

I get the following error message when trying to open a small file from the Download folder:

File Size: 900Kb

The file is an xls file. Files that have been on this computer open with no problem. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi Shane Devenshire, 

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Community Support regarding the memory error you’re experiencing when trying to open an Excel file. I understand how inconvenient this must be, especially since your system resources appear to be more than sufficient. Let’s work through this together to resolve the issue. 

Here are a few methods you can try to resolve the issue:  

Method 1: Start Excel in Safe Mode Using CTRL Modifier Key 

• Click on the Excel icon or your Excel file.
• Hold the CTRL-key and press ENTER. You should not release the CTRL-key. You have to hold it until a confirmation dialog box pops up. Click on the Yes button from the Microsoft Excel dialog box.

• Excel will be opened in safe mode. You can see that Safe Mode is written on your workbook name on the top toolbar.

Method 2: Use Command-Line to Start Excel in Safe Mode 

• Click on the Search bar from the Windows Enter run and click on Run from the Best match group.

• The Run window will open. Shortcut keys are Windows + R to open the Run window.
• Enter excel /safe inside the Open text box. Click on OK.

Note: There is a space after the word “excel”. Use the slash (/) after the space. If you don’t use the space, there will be an error in the command. 

• Your file will be opened in safe mode. You will see that Safe Mode is written on your workbook name on the top toolbar.

Method 3: Repair the File: 

• Open Excel, go to File > Open > Browse

 

• Select the problematic file, click the arrow next to "Open," and choose Open and Repair.

Method 4: Update Microsoft Excel: 

• Ensure you’re using the latest version of Excel. Go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now (for Microsoft 365 subscribers) or download updates via Windows Update.

Method 5: Clear Excel Temporary Files: 

• Temporary files can sometimes cause conflicts. Close Excel and delete the contents of these folders:
• %temp% (press Windows + R, type %temp%, and delete all files).
• C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OfficeFileCache (replace [YourUsername] with your actual username).

I truly hope you understand that the initial steps I suggested may not have completely resolved the issue, as there might still be underlying causes, we haven't uncovered yet. Please know that I’m here with you every step of the way, ready to work together and do everything I can to help troubleshoot and find the best solution. 

If you encounter any issues during this process, please share the specific error messages or behaviors you’re seeing, and I’d be happy to assist further. 

Thank you for your patience, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need clarification or additional support. 

If my answer is helpful, please mark it as an answer and it will definitely help others in the community with similar questions to find a solution to their problem faster.  

Best regards, 

Sophie N - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hi Shane,

You are experienced enough to know that a downloaded file must be unblocked first...

Just for the sake of completeness, maybe the file contains a code which eats up all memory:

Open Excel
Click File\Open and select your file
Press and hold the SHIFT key
Click Open
Wait for your file to open
Release the SHIFT key

Maybe there is an alternate data stream on the file which you can not see:

Copy the file to an USB stick which has a FAT file system

Click File\Open and select the file on the USB stick

Click Open

Maybe the file is damaged, try to repair the file.

If you need further help I need to see your file, upload to my dropbox and I'll take a look:
Microsoft Answers Community Public Request - Dropbox

Andreas.

Answer 3

Hi Shane Devenshire, 

Good day and I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to check in and see if the issue has been resolved.

If you're still facing any problems, please feel free to share more details about the current error or steps you're stuck on. I’ll be happy to assist further.

Looking forward to your update.

Best regards,

Sophie N - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist