Excel open a blank grey screen excel file with my original excel file

Can you post any of the files with grey screens?

The paperclip attachment method on this forum doesnt work.
Use Go Advanced/Manage Attachments to add files.

Attach the workbook, not a picture of it.

It's an Excel file isn't it?
Just click Go Advanced on this forum (bottom right) and partway down the screen it says Manage Attachments, just add the Excel file.

You do know it says "Product Activation Failed" at the top of your screenshot?
Same problem here and they also have "Product Activation failed"
Coincidence?

https://www.reddit.com/r/excel/comme...file_opens_to/

Attach one of the files that you can't open here. If we can open it, then it will have something to do with your product activation. Why are you running an unlicensed copy of Office?

EDIT: Thanks for the attachment! It opens fine here.

Excel 2016 (Windows) 32 bit

	D	E	F	G
4	Original	Manual	Formula
5
6	ABC - XYZ	ABC - XYZ	ABC - XYZ	TRUE
7	KLM - GHI	KLM - GHI	KLM - GHI	TRUE
8	HIJ - RST	HIJ - RST	HIJ - RST	TRUE
9	XYZ - ABC	ABC - XYZ	ABC - XYZ	TRUE
10	GHI - KLM	KLM - GHI	KLM - GHI	TRUE
11	PQR - LMN	PQR - LMN	PQR - LMN	TRUE
12	RST - HIJ	HIJ - RST	HIJ - RST	TRUE
13	LMN - PQR	PQR - LMN	PQR - LMN	TRUE

Sheet: Sheet10

That opens fine.

Interestingly from your screen shot the two thumbnail type images at the bottom of the screen would suggest Excel can open the file and view its contents, it's just not showing on your main screen.

Try this if you can.

Create a blank file.
Put ABC in A1.
Save the file.

Try reopening it.
If you get the same thing it would suggest product activation may be the problem.

Nigelog - see post #6.