Windows 7: can't open (excel) files

hxl7 · 12 Dec 2009

Hi All ...
When I am in Explorer and My Documents and I try to double click open an Excel file (Office 2003), I get the error message: "There was a problem sending the command to the program."
However, if I try to similarly open a Word, or .PDF, or .TXT file in a similar manner, there is no problem.
Thank you for any ideas.
Bill
Windows 7 Ultimate, 64

Jonathan_King · 12 Dec 2009

Hello, Welcome to the Forums!
Sounds like an Excel issue, and not a Windows issue. Can you remove Excel and reinstall it?

ignatzatsonic · 12 Dec 2009

You might run sfc /scannow from a command prompt to see if it is a system file problem.

I think Excel will offer to do a repair install if you use your original disc. If not, take Jonathan's advise and uninstall, then reinstall.

hxl7 · 16 Dec 2009

Thanks for the ideas, guys, but no go.
All the best, Bill

slithernet · 16 Dec 2009

This is a long shot, but disable your AV software and see if it opens. Had a prob like this before and AVG wouldn't let me open the files.

scrozier · 29 Dec 2009

There's a setting in tools, options regarding "Ignore other programs that use dde" - this option needs to be unchecked

Had the same problem with a windows 7 64 bit and Excel 2007, dde was the problem.

padron20 · 17 Jan 2010

scrozier: when you wrote,

"There's a setting in tools, options regarding 'Ignore other programs that use dde' - this option needs to be unchecked"

where is this done? I am unable to open some older Excel files using 2007 Excel. However, if I used the same file say within the last year (using XP before 2007) and saved it in a different place I can now open it using 2007. Hope this makes sense. Thank you.

hxl7 · 18 Jan 2010

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I am still having the problem.

I do not seem to have the DDE option in Excel 2003.

It is a very odd problem since a) double clicking to Open produces the error, but b) Send To and c) /File Open from within Excel both will function normally.

Bill

clunkfish · 18 Jan 2010

Try right-clicking on an Excel file that is giving problems, then select "Open with..." and make sure that Excel is the default program associated with the file.

rattwater · 03 Mar 2010

Hi hxl7. Did you ever resolve this issue? Please have a look at my posting today titled "Excel files are not opening". It sounds like it could be the same problem, or very similar anyway. Interested to know how you went on it.
Regards, Robert

Windows 7: can't open (excel) files

can't open (excel) files problems?