When it comes to Microsoft Excel, users can find themselves coming across certain problems along the way, which can prove to be rather frustrating given the time it takes to locate and resolve these problems. In an effort to assist, here are 5 common excel problems and solutions for your reference:
- Error Launching Excel
One of the most common Excel problems faced by users would be encountering the error message when attempting to launch Microsoft Excel. The likeliest cause of this problem would be from corrupt toolbar files or menu updates, as well as add-ins that may be conflicting with certain aspects of the software. For corrupt toolbar files and menu updates, search for the file (.xlb for toolbar, .pip for menu settings) and rename the files or back up and relaunch Excel again.
To check if it is caused by add ins, open Excel on safe mode (safe mode doesn’t allow add ins or menu customisation). If it launches, then locate the add in that is causing the issue and remove it.
- Excel Crashing Or Not Responding
This could be caused by several problems, here are some possible troubleshooting options. Verify and install the latest recommended Microsoft Excel updates so that out-of-date files and bugs are fixed. If updating does not resolve the issue, start Microsoft Excel in safe mode by holding the CTRL key on the keyboard or using excel.exe/safe since Excel in safe mode bypasses certain functionalities and add ons. Locate the source of the problem by performing selective start ups. Check also to see if it’s the antivirus that is conflicting with Microsoft Excel.
- “Available Resources” Error
When it comes to common Excel problems, quite a number of users have experienced this error. This could be due to limited insufficient memory or even the formulas and contents of the Excel file. Verify and install the latest updates, clean out the custom views [ View > Custom views > Delete]. Check and disable add-ins before testing if Excel still prompts users with the message. Run a check to see if other applications are using up memory space even when not in use.
- “Too Many Cell Formats”
These errors are often caused by formatting, especially when the workbook file contains too many cell format combinations. Style counts can increase when copying between workbook files as well. Make sure that Microsoft Excel is fully updated and simplify the workbook file’s formatting. For example, using standard fonts, consistent borders, removing patterns, and more. Clear up unnecessary formatting and simplify the overall cell formatting combinations so that Microsoft Excel can better adapt.
- Corrupted Workbook File
Microsoft Excel is designed to automatically start File recovery mode to repair the workbook when faced with corruption. However, if users are unable to open it, they can manually repair the workbook by using methods like choosing the Microsoft office button and opening up the dialog box to select the corrupt file and choose ‘Open and Repair’ to repair and restore data as much as possible. If the repair is unsuccessful, choose ‘Extract data’. Users can choose to revert the workbook file to the last version available. Users can also save the file in SYLK format to filter out corrupt data/details (Save as > SYLK).
