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Excel won't open .xls files

Running Win 10 using Microsoft 365.

If I don't have Excel open and try to open a .xls file it fails.  Opens .xlsx OK

Message "Sorry we couldn't find /e.xlsx.  Is it possible it was moved, renamed or deleted." is displayed. 

If I open excel first and use File > Open it will open the file.

If Excel is open but I use a shortcut to try to open a .xls file it fails with above message.

My only get round would be to find every .xls file on my machine, open Excel, open file, save it as a .xlsx and delete the old file, changing shortcuts where used.  Not practical.

Files are on a hard drive.

Hi David,
  
Per your description, I think it might be caused by a system files conflict or corruption. You may try the following suggestions and see the outcome:

1. Update the Office clients to the latest versions. Sometimes the new version Office client has fix certain bugs or issues.
2. If your Office is already up to date, please try repairing your Office Client.
3. Enter Office Safe mode. Some issue may be caused by some third party add-ins. Entering Safe Mode can disable all the add-ins on your clients.
   
If the issue still persist, could you please provide the following information as well. We can help you scope the question better.

1. Which version of Microsoft Office are you using? Open Excel> click File> Account> capture the screenshot of “Production Information” page with us. You can check this articleto find your detailed version number.Notes: To protect your privacy, please remove/mask your personal information before you share your screenshot.      

Image

2. Does this issue happen to all your worksheets or only specific one? Please create a new one and check the result. 
3. Were there any changes made to your system recently, such as updates, installation, etc?

4.  When did the issue occur?

5. Where did the file stored?

                          
Best regards,
Gloria
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To:  David
re:  .xls files are rejected

My view is MS does this intentionally to force upgrades.
FWIW, you do not have to open a file to save it as a another file type.
In whatever File Manager is now called, right-click the file and choose "SaveAs..."
'---



http://www.mediafire.com/folder/lto3hbhyq0hcf/Documents

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I updated Office - no joy.

I tried the Modify, but there are no individual applications shown.  I clicked on Microsoft Office but that did not have a Modify option, so I clicked on Repair - no joy.

I opened Excel in safe mode and tried to open a .xls file - no joy.

Vsn is Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO (16.0.13001.20266) 32-bit

It happens to all .xls files

No changes to system recently

The issue appears to have started today, but I cant remember trying to open a .xls file for a few days

All my data files are stored on a separate hard drive to the programs.  The same drive is used to store all my data files. 

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Hi David,

  

Thanks for your patience and we appreciate your effort to try these suggestions and share the result with us. While the issue still persists, sorry for the inconvenience caused at your end, I will suggest you check the default type of Excel format.xls is set to Excel or not.
Image

   

If not, please change it to the default format.xls.

                           

If still the problem happens, please create a new xls file and check whether he can open it or not

Besides, I notice that the issue happens on all files, if it’s convenient, would you mind open your computer in safe mode to check the result again?

For your reference: Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10

If you still encounter the issue, could you please tell us your Excel version? Open you Excel> click File> Account> capture the screenshot of full “Production Information” page here. (you can click “Insert image” and upload the screenshot.)

 Image

    

Best regards,

Gloria

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Hi David,

We haven’t heard from you for a while, if you still need other assistance, please feel free to post back.

                             

Wish you a nice day!😊

      

Best regards,

Gloria


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Hi,

I checked and Excel is the default App for .xls files.

I created a new .xls file and I get the same message when I try to open it.

If I go into safe mode and try to open a .xls file it displays "Something went wrong" and displays an error code : 0x426-0x0

Excel version is displayed as:     2006 (Build 1301.20266 Click-to-Run)

I am a Microsoft 365 subscription user.

Dave 

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Hi David,
 
Thanks for your patience, I’m willing to further investigate your issue, may I confirm again have you tried Online repair from the above suggestions?
   

In addition, here is a similar thread for you to refer, you can have a try and see the outcome.

   

As the issue seems happen on all files, would you mind try using the new user profile to check whether the issue is related to your old account? 

For Windows 10:  Create a local user or administrator account in Windows 10

Besides, could you capture the screenshot of Excel version? (please click Insert image and upload the screenshot here.)

Image

   

If the above still cannot work, please let us know.

                   

Besides, 
Gloria

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Last updated February 19, 2024 Views 2,277 Applies to: