[jojsh45]

Excel (xls) files will not open by launching the file.

If I double click on an email attachment it asks me if I want to use excel. If I then click Open, it starts excel, then I get the message "<filename> could not be opened, because the associated helper application does not exist. Change the association in your preferences."

If I double click on a file in Windows Explorer, it starts excel, and then I get the message "Windows cannot find file <filename>. Make sure you typed the filename correctly, and then try again.

I can open excel files by using the open function within Excel.

Word files launch correctly.

Software versions are Vista Business Service Pack 1 and Office 2007 SP1.

Could it be a recent system update? I am almost certain this worked OK before Christmas

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Have you tried Detect and Repair?

In Excel, Help > Detect and Repair

[Vino Rosso]

Have you tried Detect and Repair?

In Excel, Help > Detect and Repair

[jojsh45]

I've just tried this - no luck I'm afraid.

[Vino Rosso]

OK, next suggestion...

In Excel, Tools > Options > General > make sure Ignore Other Applications is UNchecked

Close Excel

Start > Run > type C:\Excel Path\Excel.exe /unregserver > OK

Then type C:\Excel Path\Excel.exe /regserver > OK

Re-boot and see if the problem has gone.

Note: Replace Excel Path with the actual path to your computer's Excel.exe. e.g. C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\excel.exe

[jojsh45]

Note that the menus have changed in office 2007 - there is no tools menu.

I have looked in excel options, but can't find "ignore other applications". I was not sure whether I should proceed with the rest of the suggestion - I don't know what harm it could do.

[Vino Rosso]

OK, how about...

In Excel, click the Microsoft Office Button (in the top left)
Click Excel Options (at the bottom of the menu box on the right)
Click the Advanced category and then, under the General section, clear the Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) check box.

In Windows Start > Run > cmd (opens a command window)
At the prompt:
Type cd \"program files\microsoft office\office12" (exactly as shown) > Enter
Type excel.exe /unregserver > Enter
Type excel.exe /regserver > Enter

Re-boot and see if the problem has gone.

Note: The command is de-registering and re-registering Excel

[jojsh45]

Thank you red wine - that solved my problem. In fact, the error returns if I check the "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)" check box. I have now switched it off again and all is fine.

Thanks again for your prompt replies.

[Vino Rosso]

You're welcome

[tltblkhero]

Hi,

im having the exact same problem, cant find a nearer description.

Only difference is that the problem lies in my Microsoft Word; and that I cannot even open Microsoft Word normally to change the settings.

I have tried reregistering, but it doesn't seem to work, likely because I haven't changed any settings. My Microsoft Word now hangs when starting up.

The problem started yesterday, actually, with no apparent changes made before the problem arose.

I use Microsoft Vista, Office 2007.

Please advice, many thanks!

[tltblkhero]

Just an update, I managed to open word in safe mode, but i cannot reach the "advanced" option in safe mode, so theres no change still.

Thanks

[mcbassin]

I have a similar problem I can't double click any excel programs but I can open excel, search the file and single click open.

Then the file opens. I can't open any excel spreadsheets attached to emails but I can save them, then open excel search them and open.

 

I can also open the last files that were open from the drop down window.

Any suggestions? thanks,

Mike

 

This is what pops up when I double click

 

Edited by mcbassin, 11 November 2014 - 10:54 AM.