Sources of ADE Problems
Issues Opening ADE Files
Microsoft Access Disappeared
Double-clicking your ADE file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open ADE File". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft Access missing in %%os%%. Your operating system cannot associate your ADE with Microsoft Access, so double-clicking the file won't work.
Tip: If you know of another program that can open your ADE file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.
Incorrect Microsoft Access Version
In other instances, your Access Project Extension file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Access. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Access if you don't have the right version. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.
Tip: Right-clicking on your ADE, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.
Summary: Not having the right Microsoft Access version on your computer can cause problems opening ADE files.
Other Causes of ADE File Opening Problems
You can still experience errors opening ADE files even with the latest version of Microsoft Access installed on your PC. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening ADE files. Problems unrelated to software:
- ADE file references in the Windows Registry are broken
- Deletion of the ADE file description from the Registry by mistake
- Incomplete or bad installation of a software application associated with the ADE format
- File corruption affecting your ADE file
- Your ADE is infected with malware
- Hardware associated with ADE has outdated drivers
- Windows cannot load your Access Project Extension file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)
Quiz: Which file extension is not a type of spreadsheet?
That's Correct!
An XES file is a type of Settings File, used to store program configuration details. Although it has "X" in the name, it is not a spreadsheet file.
Close, but not quite...
An XES file is a type of Settings File, used to store program configuration details. Although it has "X" in the name, it is not a spreadsheet file.