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Can't Open xls File

  1. #1
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    Can't Open xls File

    I use Excel 2003 on a Windows XP operating system. I update a rather large xls file (5.9 mB) daily. I saved an update yesterday, but when I went to open it from my directory today, nothing appeared.

    The file is listed, with its properties, in the directory, but when I request the file, Excel opens, nt the file.

    None of my other files seem affected. They open normally.

    What can I do to retrieve this important file?

  2. #2
    Forum Expert martindwilson's Avatar
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    a few suggestions here
    http://www.dotxls.com/excel-recovery...nnot-be-opened

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    Thanks for the suggestions.

    Thanks. I'll give these fixes a whirl.

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    Nothing Works

    I tried several of the fixes from the list to no avail. I was especially hoping that opening the file in safe mode would be the cure, but the instruction to run “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\excel.exe” /s wasn't recognized.

    Would going back to a restore point make sense?

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    Forum Expert shg's Avatar
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    Check the path to Excel.exe.
    Entia non sunt multiplicanda sine necessitate

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    Please explain

    Check the path? How so?

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    Forum Expert shg's Avatar
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    Where is Excel.exe located on your computer?

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    Excel Application ...

    ... is located at C:\Program File\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11

  9. #9
    Forum Expert shg's Avatar
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    Then change the path in the run statement to agree.

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    hi,

    One thing that I didn't see listed in the link that Martin gave is the issue of file path length. If a file path & name is longer than so many characters ( I think it is 216) then Windows can't open the file. If this is the case try shortening the file/folder names & having another go - the quickest test is to move it to your desktop & see if it can be opened from there.

    hth
    Rob
    Rob Brockett
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    Always learning & the best way to learn is to experience...

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    Thanks ...

    I appreciate the help. please understand that I'm a newbie at this.

    SHG -

    Should the run statement, then, read "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11” /s (quotation marks included)?

    Broro -

    Walk me through your instruction.

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    copy the file in question (v1), resave it to your "desktop" & then try opening the desktop version (v2).


    If this works, try shortening the folder path that the original version (v1) is saved in for example, change "C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Owner\My Documents\Excel\namemanager (Sep17)\Uninstall\HP_Owner\My Documents\Excel\namemanager (Sep17)\Uninstall\HP_Owner\My Documents\Excel\namemanager (Sep17)\Uninstall\HP_Owner\My Documents\Excel\namemanager (Sep17)\Uninstallv1.xls"
    which has a string length of 263 characters to be something with a shorter path by changing the number of folders or shortening the folder names eg
    "C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Owner\My Documents\Excel\namemanager (Sep17)\Uninstall\Latest version\Uninstallv1.xls" which only is 114 characters long.


    hth
    Rob

  13. #13
    Forum Expert shg's Avatar
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    The run string should be exactly

    "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\Excel.exe" /s

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    Thanks

    That string got me into the Excel Safe Mode alright, but still I get nothing when I attempt to open the file. Other files, yes; the one I want, no.

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    This is a longshot...
    Is the file opening in a "hidden" state?

    To check this after trying to open it (as you would normally), go to Windows - Unhide, select your file if it is listed here & press okay. Once the file is unhidden you should be able to save it.

    hth
    Rob

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    Brilliant!

    The longshot paid off! The file WAS hidden. Thank you.

    (WHY would it end up hidden?)

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    LOL!
    I'm stoked I bothered to post - I had thought "nah, don't be silly..." but then I thought, oh well what's a few seconds typing :-)

    Is it permanently fixed now (ie you can close & reopen the file and it is visible)?
    If not, some further investigation may be on the cards^.

    -----
    The only way I know that it can end up hidden is through the use of macros/VBE & then being saved (which seems unlikely in this case*) or through the command Windows - Hide, which could accidently happen by pressing [alt + w + h] and then...

    The challenge happens because the file has to be saved somehow for this setting to "stick" between the closing & reopening - maybe Excel crashed after an autosave of the file in the hidden state & has been reopened by you as a "recovered version"???
    Another user has been in the file?

    ^*Are there any macros in this file?
    or other files that you have had open at the same time as this file?
    If so, we can talk you through finding the potential culprit code in the VBE - let us know if this is needed.

    hth
    Rob

  18. #18
    Forum Expert shg's Avatar
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    Is the file opening in a "hidden" state?
    Rob, great catch!

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    Thanks Shg :-)

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