Workbook Not Opening

Issue/Question

When I try to open a workbook on one computer, Excel will not load it, but it will open fine on another computer.

Environment

• Windows 10+

Cause

A workbook failing to open generally occurs when either Excel or the specific workbook is corrupted.

Resolution

Troubleshoot Excel

1. Open Excel directly.
   Note: If it will not open, the program may need to be repaired. See this article for assistance.
2. Create a new workbook and save it.
3. Quit Excel.
4. Open the workbook you created and saved.
   Note: If it will not open, the program may need to be repaired. See this article for assistance.
5. Quit Excel.
6. If you are able to open Excel and create, save, and edit a new workbook, then Excel is working properly. Continue below.

Troubleshoot Workbook

1. Right-click the workbook in question.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click Security.
4. Select your account or the group you are a member of.
5. Ensure you/your group has Full Control.
   Note: If Full Control is not enabled, the program may not be able to open the workbook properly. Identify someone in the list who has full access who can give you access and see if the file opens properly thereafter.
6. Make a copy of the workbook in a different location. (E.g. if the workbook is stored on a network drive, make a copy of it on your desktop.)
7. Open the copy of the workbook.
   Note: If it will open, the location of the original workbook may be blocking access. Use the copy, modifying as needed, and replace the original when done.
8. If it will not open, the original workbook may be corrupted. Continue below.

Work-around

1. If the workbook opens on a different computer, access the file there.
2. Create a new workbook.
3. Copy the content of the original workbook into the new one.
4. Save the new workbook and ensure it can be opened on the other computer.

If you continue to have problems with Excel and the above steps do not resolve your issue, please contact the ITS Service Desk.