How do I fix .csv files?

Question

I had been using MS Windows 10. MS ceased support in October 2025, and I couldn't upgrade to Windows 11 as my OS is 32 not 64. My Excel then started saving in .csv until September 2026, and I cannot save in .csv format. It's so frustrating. I have templates that I use every day to keep records, now I cannot record details onto these .csv templates. As Windows 10 is no longer supported, MS has deleted it from my laptop and has reverted to my original MS Office 2010.

When I go to save the document, the File name shows "Blank", and the Save as type shows Excel workbook (.xlsx). I can't save anything as there is no file to save "Blank". If I click the Save as type drop-down box and select CSV (Comma delimited) (.csv) The Folder then advises "No items match your search". IF I then select from the drop-down box All Files: The File name shows the Name of the file to be saved, however, if I add details it doesn't save.

If I go to save the document in the Save as type (Excel workbook (*xlsx) a window pops up "Upgrade to Premium" - Saves in Excel & PDF formats, converts files in batches, and use the AI Assistant. You have 3 options to choose from Monthly, Annual or Lifetime. Under the Lifetime Option, it says "Continue with Free". However, it is not allowing me to "Continue with Free" which is the .csv free version. "How do I resolve this problem?" and return back to .csv

On the right-hand side of the template, I have the AI Assistant that is part of the "Upgrade to Premium"

Looking forward to your assistance.

Thankyou :)

Answer 1

Thanks for your response AI Assistant. In addition, advising me that my Windows 10 is still working. However, support concluded in October 2025, as Microsoft notified me.

I'll go through the steps you sent me to see if I can retrieve the .csv

Hopefully, my problem will be resolved.

Thankyou :)

Answer 2

The “Upgrade to Premium,” “Lifetime,” “Continue with Free,” and “AI Assistant” screen does not establish that you are using Microsoft Excel, so first identify the application and then open the template directly in a genuine, activated copy of Excel.

1. Identify the program currently opening the CSV

1. In the program displaying the AI Assistant, select File > Account.
   • If Account is unavailable, try File > Help.
2. Under Product Information, note the exact product name.
3. Select About Excel and check whether the dialog actually identifies the program as Microsoft Excel and displays an Office version. Microsoft documents these locations for identifying an Office installation.^1^

If there is no About Excel, or the product has another publisher or name, close it. Its Premium prompt concerns that application—not the CSV format or Microsoft Excel. Do not purchase its subscription merely to save a CSV.

To open your template in Excel:

1. Open File Explorer and locate the .csv file.
2. Right-click it and select Open with > Choose another app.
3. Select Microsoft Excel.
4. If offered, select Always use this app to open .csv files.

If Excel is not listed, continue with the installation checks below.

2. Save from Microsoft Excel

Once the file is open in genuine Excel:

1. Enter the new records.
2. Select File > Save As.
3. Select Browse or choose a folder such as Documents.
4. In File name, replace Blank with a meaningful name, for example: Daily records 2026-10-26
5. Under Save as type, select CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv).
6. Select Save.^2^

The message “No items match your search” in the folder area does not mean that no file can be saved; it means no existing files in that folder match the selected file type. A new name must still be entered in File name.

CSV retains cell values but removes formatting and saves only the active worksheet. Keep a separate .xlsx master copy if the template contains formatting, formulas, or multiple sheets.^3^

3. If genuine Excel will not permit editing or saving

Check the Excel title bar and File > Account for Unlicensed Product or an activation warning. An unlicensed Office installation eventually enters reduced-functionality mode: files can be opened and printed, but not edited or newly created.[^4^](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID] "A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application | Microsoft Support")

If that warning appears:

1. In File > Account, sign in with the Microsoft account that owns the Office licence.
2. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Search for Office.
4. If multiple Office products are installed, remove only the unwanted or substituted installation, restart Windows, and activate the Office installation you own. Multiple installations can cause activation conflicts.^5^

Do not uninstall anything until the product names and licence ownership are known.

Important corrections

• Microsoft did not remotely delete Windows 10 because support ended. Windows 10 continues to function; end of support means it no longer receives normal technical assistance, software updates, or security fixes.^6^
• Office 2010 also reached end of support on October 13, 2020. It may continue running, but Microsoft no longer supplies technical support, security fixes, or bug fixes for it.^7^
• The AI Assistant/Lifetime wording is the strongest indication that another spreadsheet application may now be handling the files. The exact application name shown under File > Account, File > Help, or in the window title is needed before any app-specific repair or subscription advice can be given.

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References

1. [Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/office/lifecycle/lc-account/about-office-what-version-of-office-am-i-using)
2. [Microsoft 365](https://support.microsoft.com/office/collab-files/save-back-up-and-recover-a-file-in-microsoft-office#save-as-a-different-format)
3. Save a workbook to text format (.txt or .csv) | Microsoft Support
4. [A subscription notice appears when I open a Microsoft 365 application | Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/accounts-billing/subscriptions/[Subscription ID])
5. Unlicensed Product and activation errors in Office | Microsoft Support
6. Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025 | Microsoft Support
7. Office 2016 for Mac and Office 2010 end of support on October 13, 2020