Excel is not working and is not being able to open the needed documents.

Question

what should be done to get the issue sorted out?

Answer 1

Good day Uvashri,  

Thank you for sharing your concern.  

This behavior can happen when Excel or the Microsoft 365 installation has corrupted program files, a startup conflict, an add-in issue, or a problem with files loaded when Excel starts.  

Please see the following workarounds that will help you verify the issue:  

Option 1: Use the Repair Now prompt 

Save any open work if possible. 

In the Excel error window, select Repair Now. 

Allow the repair process to complete. 

Restart the computer. 

Open Excel again and try opening the required document. 

If Excel still cannot open the document, please continue with Option 2. 

Option 2: Repair the Excel workbook if only one specific file cannot open 

If Excel opens normally but one specific workbook still cannot be opened, the file itself may be corrupted.  

Open Excel > Select File > Select Open > Select Browse. 

Go to the folder where the affected workbook is saved. 

Select the workbook once, but don't double-click it. 

Select the arrow next to the Open button. 

Select Open and Repair > Select Repair. 

Option 2: Repair Excel app 

Close all Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

Open the Windows settings > Apps > Installed apps. 

Find Microsoft 365 or Microsoft Office in the app list. 

Select the three dots next to Microsoft 365 or Office > Select Modify > Choose Online Repair > Select Repair. 

Follow the on-screen instructions until the repair is completed. 

Restart the computer. 

Open Excel and test the document again. 

Please note that Online Repair can take longer than Quick Repair, but it is more complete because it is intended to make sure everything gets fixed.  

Option 3: Open Excel in safe mode to check for add-in or startup conflicts 

Press Windows key + R. 

Type: excel /safe. 

Select OK. 

If Excel opens in Safe Mode, try opening the required file from File > Open > Browse. 

If the file opens correctly in safe mode, the issue may be related to an Excel add-in, startup file, toolbar setting, or another customization that loads during normal startup: 

Go to File > Select Options > Select Add-ins. 

At the bottom, next to Manage, choose COM Add-ins > Select Go. 

Uncheck one add‑in at a time and restart Excel after each change.    

Option 4: Workaround to access the document urgently 

If Excel desktop still doesn't open, try opening the file from Excel for the web through office.com. 

Upload the file to OneDrive or SharePoint if needed. 

Open the workbook in the browser. 

Continue working from the web version while the desktop Excel issue is being repaired. 

Option 5: Reinstall Office apps

You may consider uninstalling the Office apps and then reinstalling them using the following steps: 

Go to office.com > App Launcher > More apps > Install apps > Microsoft 365 apps > Apps & devices > Install Office.    

Then, try opening the affected Excel file again.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or need further support, please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding.  

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