Excel xlsm files not opening

Hi Frances M,

I’m Jung one of the Independent Advisor and I’d be happy to help you out with your question.

Now check out the below-given tricks on how to open XLSM file when Excel denies to open it.

Solution 1: Add a New Location
Here it is recommended to add a new location in Excel to open xlsm file.

Follow the steps to do so:

First, close the workbook
Now choose File > Options > in the navigation pane choose ‘Trust Center’
Click ‘Trust Center Settings…’
trust-center-in-excel-options-dialog
Then choose ‘Trusted Locations’ > click ‘Add new location…’
TrustCenter1
And enter the folder path where you saved the workbook. (utilize browse button to locate it)
Click OK > reopen the workbook.
Add a New Location in trust center
Now check whether the XLSM file won’t open in Excel 2013 issue is resolved or not. If not then try the second solution.

Solution 2: Uninstall the Updates
It is confirmed by the experts that certain updates are causing the issue. So check whether you have installed the recently launched updates:

KB 3114736
Or KB 3114717
KB 3114734
If you did, then simply uninstall them and after that check whether your Excel cannot open XLSM file problem is been resolved or not.

Solution 3: Reset File Associations
Try resetting the file associations this worked for many Excel users to fix xlsm file not opening issue.

Follow the steps:

Go to Control Panel > click Default Programs.
Reset File Associations 1
Now click on Set your default programs > click Excel
Reset File Associations 2
Click Choose default for this program.
Next on the Set Program Associations screen > click Select All > click Ok
Reset File Associations 3

Solution 4: Open XLSM File
Well, if none of the above-given solutions works for you then try to fix macro enabled Excel file not opening issue through the open button.

Follow the steps to do so:

First, launch Microsoft Office Excel 2013
And click File > Open from the menu for opening the Open window.
Open And Repair Method
Now choose the folder that contains the XLSM file using the integrated file browser > choose the XLSM file.
Then click on the Open button for opening the Excel XLSM file.
Open XLSM File
Click the “Enable Content” button at the top in the yellow bar for enabling the macros.

Reference:

https://www.repairmsexcel.com/blog/resolve-cant-open-xlsm-file-in-excel

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I’ll be glad to assist you further.

Best regards,
Jung
Independent Advisor

Hello ,

It seems some Windows updates are causing this issues. Can you check the latest updated KB number and share it . Also compare with the users who can open the excel and see if the same update has been installed there . As this is happening all of sudden I guess this is caused by an update.

Please follow the troubleshooting steps as per the link and share your results after this.
Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Excel for Windows https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/fixes-or-workarounds-for-recent-issues-in-excel-for-windows-49d932ce-0240-49cf-94df-1587d9d97093

Help the next person who has this issue by indicating if this reply solved your problem. Click Yes or No below.

Best regards
Mukesh

Thanks, but we use Windows not Mac and the issue appears to have been caused by a Microsoft Excel update as users who haven't received the update yet are able to open the file from the same networked location

Hi, Frances . Thank you for your question and reaching out. My name is John and I’d be more than happy to help you with your query.

I found an article on how to fix this kind of concern. I believe it will be easier for you to check https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/troubleshoot/excel/fails-starting-excel-mac on your end on how to fix it.

Best regards,
John

We have tried all of these with the exception of uninstalling the update, which would be pointless as another update would just install