HOW TO FIX MY MICROSOFT APP I CANT OPEN A SINGLE FILE

sharrie mae edulian 0 Reputation points
2026-09-19T01:10:45.63+00:00

I am trying to open a file with microsoft excel but it appears that there was an error. What should I do?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | Windows
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  1. Diana Mariz 10,925 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-19T02:14:54.28+00:00

    Hi Sharrie,

    To further check on this, can you share a screenshot when opening a file for my reference?
    Additionally, you are saying that its happening to all Excel files, right?

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-19T01:11:05+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Update Office
      • Open any Office app if possible.
      • Go to File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
      • If Update Now is not shown, select Enable Updates first.
    2. Start Excel in Safe Mode
      • Open Run.
      • Type excel /safe and press Enter.
      • If Excel opens in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by an add-in.
    3. Disable Excel add-ins
      • In Excel Safe Mode, go to File > Options > Add-Ins.
      • In Manage, select the Excel add-in type or COM Add-ins, then select Go.
      • Clear one add-in, select OK, then restart Excel normally.
      • Repeat one by one until the problem stops.
      • Older add-ins such as ABBYY FineReader and Dragon Naturally Speaking are known to cause problems.
    4. Repair Office
      • Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
      • Select the Office product.
      • Select Change.
      • Start with Quick Repair.
      • If that does not fix it, use Online Repair.
    5. If the problem happens only with one file
      • Open Excel first.
      • Go to File > Open > Browse.
      • Select the file.
      • Select the arrow next to Open and choose Open and Repair.
    6. If double-clicking files opens Excel incorrectly or shows a blank screen
      • Right-click the file and select Properties.
      • On the General tab, check Opens with.
      • Select Change and set the correct app.
      • Select Always use this app.
    7. Install Windows updates
      • In Windows 10: Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
      • Select Check online for updates from Microsoft Update.

    If Excel does not open even in Safe Mode, the problem is not with add-ins. In that case, use Repair Office and make sure Windows and device drivers are fully updated.

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