Sources of XLSM Problems
Frequent XLSM Opening Issues
Microsoft Excel Disappeared
When trying to open your XLSM file, you get the error "Can't Open XLSM File Type". Customarily, this means that Microsoft Excel is not installed on %%os%%. This will prevent you from double-clicking to open the XLSM file because the OS doesn’t know how to handle it.
Tip: If you don't have Microsoft Excel installed, and you know of another program to open your XLSM file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".
Incorrect Microsoft Excel Version
In other instances, your Microsoft Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Excel. Installing the latest version of Microsoft Excel from Microsoft Corporation is recommended. This issue mainly occurs when your Microsoft Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet file was created by a newer version of Microsoft Excel than you have on your PC.
Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of XLSM file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).
Conclusion: The majority of XLSM file opening issues are due to not having the correct Microsoft Excel version installed.
Other Causes of XLSM File Opening Problems
Errors opening Microsoft Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft Excel software installed on your computer. Other XLSM opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Issues that aren't software-related:
- File references in the Windows Registry for XLSM are wrong
- Unintentional removal of the description of the XLSM file inside the Windows Registry
- Invalid installation of a XLSM-associated program (eg. Microsoft Excel)
- Your XLSM can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
- Past or present virus infection has affected your XLSM
- XLSM-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
- Windows cannot load your Microsoft Excel Open XML Macro-Enabled Spreadsheet file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)
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That's Correct!
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Close, but not quite...
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