Understanding XLL Issues
Common Problems Opening XLL Files
Microsoft Excel is Not Installed
When trying to open your XLL file, you get the error "Can't Open XLL File Type". Usually, this is because you do not have Microsoft Excel for %%os%% installed. Your operating system cannot associate your XLL with Microsoft Excel, so double-clicking the file won't work.
Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your XLL, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").
Microsoft Excel is Out-of-Date
Your Excel Add-In File file is incompatible with Microsoft Excel because you might have the wrong version installed. If you've got the wrong version of Microsoft Excel installed, you'll need to install the correct version. This issue mainly occurs when your Excel Add-In File file was created by a newer version of Microsoft Excel than you have on your PC.
Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your XLL file and clicking "Properties".
Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening XLL files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.
Other XLL File Opening Causes
You can still experience errors opening XLL files even with the latest version of Microsoft Excel installed on your PC. There can be external issues inside of %%os%% that are causing these errors when opening XLLs. Problems unrelated to software:
- File references in the Windows Registry for XLL are wrong
- Deletion of the XLL file description from the Registry by mistake
- Microsoft Excel or another XLL application experienced a flawed installation
- Something has caused file corruption of your XLL
- Malware-tainted XLL file can't be opened
- Device drivers of the hardware associated with your XLL file are corrupt or out-of-date
- Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Excel Add-In File format
Quiz: Which of these is considered a vector image file?
That's Correct!
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.
Close, but not quite...
The unique thing about vector files such as AI and EPS is that graphic details (eg. sizes and shapes of objects) and text remains editable. This allows you can save and re-open them in Illustrator and edit text or other elements within the graphic.