Understanding XLW Issues
Common Problems Opening XLW Files
Microsoft Excel is Not Installed
When trying to open your XLW file, you get the error "Can't Open XLW File Type". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have Microsoft Excel for %%os%% installed on your computer. The OS won't know what to do with your XLW file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.
Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your XLW, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").
Obsolete Version of Microsoft Excel
In other instances, your Microsoft Excel Workspace file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Excel. If you do not have the proper version Microsoft Excel (or any of the other programs listed above), you may need to try downloading a different version of it, or one of the other software applications listed above. Your Microsoft Excel Workspace file was probably created by a newer release of Microsoft Excel than what's currently installed your computer.
Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the XLW file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.
Regardless, most of the XLW file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft Excel installed.
Other Causes of XLW File Opening Problems
Although you might already have Microsoft Excel or another XLW-associated software installed on your computer, you can still encounter problems opening Microsoft Excel Workspace files. Other XLW opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Additional factors include:
- File references in the Windows Registry for XLW are wrong
- Deletion of the XLW file description from the Registry by mistake
- Invalid installation of a XLW-associated program (eg. Microsoft Excel)
- Something has caused file corruption of your XLW
- Your XLW has adversely impacted by malware
- Device drivers for XLW-related hardware are out-of-date
- Your PC doesn’t have enough available resources to open the Microsoft Excel Workspace file
Quiz: Which file extension is an archive file?
That's Correct!
A SIT file was created by Smith Micro Systems for use with the Macintosh operating system. Now, it is considered "cross-platform", working on multiple operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, Android, iOS, and others.
Close, but not quite...
A SIT file was created by Smith Micro Systems for use with the Macintosh operating system. Now, it is considered "cross-platform", working on multiple operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, Android, iOS, and others.