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Excel 2016 unable to Open XML based 'xls' file

I have a web application that generates a file based on Open XML standards for EXCEL, populates all the required data and finally saves the file with extension as '.xls' so that when the user downloads the file and opens it, by default it opens in MS Excel application. This has been working fine all these days when we open the xls file in (upto) MS Excel 2013. Excel throws a warning about the difference in file format and the extension do not match and confirms with us whether we still want to open it. On proceeding, we will be able to open the excel without any issues in the data.

Now that when we open the same xls file in MS Excel 2016, we straightaway get the error like "Excel cannot open the file claim format.xlsx because the file format or file is not valid. Verify that file has not been corrupted and that the file extension matches the file."

I tried changing the extension to '.xml' and opened the file with Excel 2016, it worked like a charm. Changing the format to xlsx doesn't work even in EXCEL 2013 as we ll and I understand it as being restricted due to security purposes in the newer versions going forward.

I am not able to identify a workaround on this in any forum to continue to using the xls extension. I would like to know the possibility to continue Open XML file format with Excel 2016.

Thank you for your time!

Hi,

One of the possible reasons why you are experiencing issues with opening a .xls file using Microsoft Excel 2016 is due to some damaged components within the application. For us to provide better assistance, we would need you to answer the following questions: 

  • Are you experiencing the same issue with all of the .xls files that you are trying to open with Excel 2016 or is the issue isolated with a specific file?
  • Have you made any changes on your device before you encountered this issue?

Excel 2016 supports XML Data format, it means that you can use Excel 2016 for opening .xml files. This link provides further information about the file formats that are supported in Excel.

Looking forward to your response.

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  • Are you experiencing the same issue with all of the .xls files that you are trying to open with Excel 2016 or is the issue isolated with a specific file?
  • Have you made any changes on your device before you encountered this issue?

Hi Darleen,

Thanks! To answer your questions,

1. Other regular excel files (.xls, xlsx, xml, xlsm...) are working in Excel 2016. The issue is with files of .xls extension that are of XML format. Not specific to any files, all xml formatted xls files are failing to open.

2. There were no changes done on the client's machine before this. Previously the configuration was Windows 7 and Excel 2013 where it was working fine. Now that systems are upgraded to Windows 10 and Excel 2016, the issue has surfaced for the first time.

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We appreciate your response. We would also need to verify which edition of Office you are using for us to isolate this concern further.

For initial troubleshooting, we suggest that you perform Office repair. To do so, visit this link and then follow the instructions under the version of Windows that is running on your device. Performing Office repair can scan and restore damaged Microsoft Office components.

We'll be waiting for your reply.

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Hi, 

 

 

We haven't heard from you in a while. We just dropped by to check on things and confirm if you're still experiencing the issue. If so, please don't hesitate to reply to either our or Darleen Pen's post so that we can further assist you with troubleshooting. 

 

The troubleshooting steps suggested may help identify and isolate possible causes of this issue. As such, it would be best to perform them one at a time and take note of any changes you might observe in the process. 

 

We'll be here in case you need us.

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Hi,

Thank you for your reply.

The issue is resolved now automatically and we really don't know how.

All I could guess is it may be because of a windows patch update that was rolled out to the machines which could have fixed the issue. I could see a patch update named with "Microsoft excel update" which I presume to have solved the issue.

We have now stopped our analysis on this issue for now as the issue is no more a concern.

Thank You for your support!

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Last updated September 18, 2024 Views 6,922 Applies to: