Embedded Files in an Excel Document - Cannot start the source application for this object.

Question

Embedded Files in an Excel Document - Cannot start the source application for this object.

SoulStrider12345 6

Hello,

I have an excel document from a client that has some embedded files in it (.pdf, .docx, .html).
All of the embedded files on the excel document at the moment will not open, every time I go to open a file it says:
Cannot stat the source application for this object.

All the files are embedded inside the excel document, they are not links to external documents.

Any help would be greatly appricated.

Icyapple13 1 Reputation point

2022-08-25T12:21:38.797+00:00

Downloading Adobe Acrobat DC resolved this issue for me.

I had switched to a new computer and encountered this problem.
I finally noticed that my old computer had this program and the new one did not.
Easy fix and hope it works for others.

2 answers

Your answer

Icyapple13 1 Reputation point

2022-08-25T12:21:38.797+00:00

Downloading Adobe Acrobat DC resolved this issue for me.

I had switched to a new computer and encountered this problem.
I finally noticed that my old computer had this program and the new one did not.
Easy fix and hope it works for others.

Answer 1

SoulStrider12345 6

Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

I am using the latest version of Office 365 and they are using Home Office 2019.
If we remove the embedded documents and re-embed them we are able to view the documents however the issue is that where they have embedded the documents into the excel document (they are not linked to a file) and have made some adjustments to those files we can't remove and re-embed them as it wont be the right version.

Yes, that is correct, when they embedded the files they unticked Link to File.

Thanks

Rafiq_230 1 Reputation point

2022-05-06T08:24:42.93+00:00

Can you please share your process/thoughts how you can achieved?

Thanks

Answer 2

Hi @SoulStrider12345 ,

Which version of Office is your client using? And yours?
I suggest you create a new Excel workbook on your local machine, then insert objects (Such as Word document, PDF files) and open them for a test.
I would also suggest the PDF reader on your machine and the PDF editor on clients' machine should be from the same software development company.

> All the files are embedded inside the excel document, they are not links to external documents.

Do you mean those object are displayed as icon, the "Link to file" is not ticked when inserting?

It's recommended to disable protected view temporarily.
If there is any security software, it is recommended to temporarily quit it.

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