Unable to open excel files

[ipbr21054]

Now & then i am unable to open an excel file.
The majority of my files are extension type .xlsm

I have them on my taskbar but clicking them does nothing.
I have them on my desktop but even right clicking them & selecting open also does nothing.

Ive look at the assigned app that opens then & excel is selected.

Any issues that you are aware of as im having to switch off pc then restart it for them to then open again

 

[bobsan42]

Have you checked your task manager for a running Excel process in such situations? Or maybe Explorer is not responding?
Ctrl+Shift+Esc

Also try to open them from within Excel.

 

[ipbr21054]

Do you mean a file that is already open & in use ?

 

[bobsan42]

Do you mean a file that is already open & in use ?

one or many, in an Excel process which is not responding, for example. Or a hidden process.
There are simple ways to check if the files you click on are actually opened (in use, locked) or not, even if you don't see an Excel window. Simplest that comes to mind is to try and rename it.
If a restart helps, then start looking for problems at the system level.

It may still be an Excel problem but if so it probably has something to do with App settings, RAM, CPU, etc. Or maybe you need to reinstall the application. But first a basic diagnose, then investigate.

 

[ipbr21054]

i5 processor & 16Gb Ram

 

[bobsan42]

i5 processor & 16Gb Ram

not so much that. This may affect the performance, yes.
But xlsm means code, and sometimes things can hang in unpredictable ways. And excel alone is not yet perfect.
just check the task manager next time. and try to open the a file from within excel.

 

[ipbr21054]

Please explain when you say try to open a file in excel.

 

[bobsan42]

Please explain when you say try to open a file in excel.

start excel and press CTRL+O (or File > Open > Browse)

 

[ipbr21054]

This is where I’m lost.
You say start excel.

All I ever do is open created files.

So where is the excel you mention ?

 

[MARK858]

Left click your Windows icon and you will probably find you have Excel amongst your icons or click the Your Windows ?? Apps (always a bit strange that mine shows as Windows 10 Apps when the computer has been updated to Windows 11), else type Excel in your Windows search box.