Why can i not download excel files

Here are the steps to go about this solution:

• Open Excel program
• If it opens a new workbook, go to File

• Uncheck the Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) box
• Click Ok

Note: if you select Ignore, Excel ignores all DDE instructions sent from other programs to itself, thus it will not open the workbook you have double-clicked.

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2. Reset Excel file associations

You’ll need to reset the Excel file associations to default settings, and here are the steps to follow:

1. Right-click Start button
2. Select Control Panel
3. Click Programs then click Default Programs
4. Under Default Programs, click the Set your default programs
   • A search process will begin to find your default programs

1. From the list of default programs, choose Excel
2. Click Choose default for this program

• The Set Program Associations screen will open up
• Click Select All

• Click Save which sets off the saving process
• Click Ok

3. Repair Microsoft Office

Sometimes the only other solution would be to repair your Microsoft Office programs. Here’s how to go about this:

• Right-click Start button
• Select Control Panel
• Click Programs
• Click Uninstall Programs
• Click Microsoft Office
• Click Change
• Click Online Repair then click Repair

Once you do the above, reboot your computer.

4. Turn off add-ins

There are two types of add-ins that can cause Excel program not to open files. These are:

These add-ins need to be turned off one after the other if you have to test, disable and isolate the issue, and here’s how to go about it:

• Open Excel program
• If it opens a new workbook, go to File
• Click on Options
• Click Add-Ins

• Locate Manage at the bottom of the open screen

• On the drop-down, select COM Add-ins

• Click Go
• From the open box, clear one of the add-ins on the list

Once all these steps are followed, restart Excel program by double-clicking on a file or icon of the workbook you want to open.

Note: in case the problem recurs, repeat the first seven steps, then choose a different add-in to clear, and try this as you go along.

If it opens, then you’ll know the add-in you selected last is the one causing the issue, in which case you can find an update or newer version of the add-in from the manufacturer’s website, or, if unavailable, you can leave it off.

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5. Disable Hardware Graphics Acceleration

Follow these steps to disable hardware graphics acceleration:

• Open Excel program
• Go to File
• Click Options
• Click Advanced
• Find Display tab

• Locate the Disable hardware graphics acceleration box and select it

6. Contact Microsoft Support

If none of the above solutions worked, then contact Microsoft Support for further options. Did any of these solutions work for you? Share with us in the comments section.

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FAQ: Learn more about Microsoft Excel

• What is Microsoft Excel used for?

Microsoft Excel is the dedicated spreadsheet tool included in the Microsoft Office Suite.

• Can I download Microsoft Excel for free?

Unfortunately no, but there are several free alternatives out there, such as Google Sheets.

• Can I just buy Microsoft Excel?

Standalone versions of Excel can indeed be bought, but you get a significant discount if you buy the entire Office Suite as a whole.

Editor’s Note:This post was originally published in April 2018 and has been since revamped and updated in June 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.