Troubleshoot XLM Files
Issues Opening XLM Files
Microsoft Excel Removed
You encounter an error message such as "%%os%% Can't Open XLM Files" when trying to open your XLM. Customarily, this means that Microsoft Excel is not installed on %%os%%. This will prevent you from double-clicking to open the XLM file because the OS doesn’t know how to handle it.
Tip: If you know of another program that can open your XLM file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.
Outdated Microsoft Excel
Sometimes your installed version of Microsoft Excel won't support your Excel Macro file. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Excel if you don't have the right version. This problem is predominately due to having a Excel Macro file version that was created by a newer version of Microsoft Excel than what you have installed on your PC.
Tip: Right-clicking on your XLM, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening XLM files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
Other XLM File Opening Causes
Although you might already have Microsoft Excel or another XLM-associated software installed on your computer, you can still encounter problems opening Excel Macro files. If you are still having problems opening XLM files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):
- Windows Registry XLM file paths that are incorrect
- Accidental deletion of the description of the XLM file in the Windows registry
- Corrupt install of Microsoft Excel or other XLM-related program
- Your XLM can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
- Malware-tainted XLM file can't be opened
- Device drivers of the hardware associated with your XLM file are corrupt or out-of-date
- Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Excel Macro file successfully
Quiz: What file extension is not associated with Microsoft Office?
That's Correct!
MPEGs are a type of compressed video file. Videos shot with cell phones, digital cameras, and other devices typically use this format.
Close, but not quite...
MPEGs are a type of compressed video file. Videos shot with cell phones, digital cameras, and other devices typically use this format.