Excel 2013 Pro won't open files when double -clicking the file.

Hello,

I have a user that is currently running Office 2013 retail from a previous Office 2003 retail install.  Since the upgrade she is unable to open any office documents by double-clicking the file to launch Excel 2013.  When she clicks on the file, be they .xls, .xlsx or .csv, Excel launches like it it going to open the file but then simply sits there with an empty Excel window.  Menu's and ribbon's fully visible and functioning, but no document.  If you then go in and open the file again through Excel's "Open File" procedure, the file opens and all is well.

Now this is the second of two machines running Windows 7 and a fresh install of Office 2013 and the other machine doesn't exhibit this behavior.   What can I do to get the misbehaving machine to get in line?  Is there a registry hack that I can try?

Thanks,

Matt

March 10th, 2014 4:48pm

Per your post, seems that the DDE function appears to be corrupt. If the issue occurs for all of Office file, please try to repair Office programs or work around it by the following steps:

Go to Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types, scroll down to and select (XLS, XLSx, DOC or DOCx), click Advanced, select Open, click the Edit button. Now uncheck "Use DDE" and then put your cursor on the Application box, arrow all the way to the right and put in "%1" (include the quote marks), If there is a /dde remove it. Then OK your way out. Things should work quickly again.

If it only happens for Excel file, please try this:

File > Options > Advanced > General Section > Tick the option "Ignore other application that use Dynamic Data Exchange"

Thanks.

Tony Chen
TechNet Community Support

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March 12th, 2014 8:27am

Per your post, seems that the DDE function appears to be corrupt. If the issue occurs for all of Office file, please try to repair Office programs or work around it by the following steps:

Go to Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types, scroll down to and select (XLS, XLSx, DOC or DOCx), click Advanced, select Open, click the Edit button. Now uncheck "Use DDE" and then put your cursor on the Application box, arrow all the way to the right and put in "%1" (include the quote marks), If there is a /dde remove it. Then OK your way out. Things should work quickly again.

If it only happens for Excel file, please try this:

File > Options > Advanced > General Section > Tick the option "Ignore other application that use Dynamic Data Exchange"

Thanks.

Tony Chen
TechNet Community Support

March 12th, 2014 11:27am

Per your post, seems that the DDE function appears to be corrupt. If the issue occurs for all of Office file, please try to repair Office programs or work around it by the following steps:

Go to Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types, scroll down to and select (XLS, XLSx, DOC or DOCx), click Advanced, select Open, click the Edit button. Now uncheck "Use DDE" and then put your cursor on the Application box, arrow all the way to the right and put in "%1" (include the quote marks), If there is a /dde remove it. Then OK your way out. Things should work quickly again.

If it only happens for Excel file, please try this:

File > Options > Advanced > General Section > Tick the option "Ignore other application that use Dynamic Data Exchange"

Thanks.

Tony Chen
TechNet Community Support

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 12th, 2014 11:27am

Per your post, seems that the DDE function appears to be corrupt. If the issue occurs for all of Office file, please try to repair Office programs or work around it by the following steps:

Go to Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types, scroll down to and select (XLS, XLSx, DOC or DOCx), click Advanced, select Open, click the Edit button. Now uncheck "Use DDE" and then put your cursor on the Application box, arrow all the way to the right and put in "%1" (include the quote marks), If there is a /dde remove it. Then OK your way out. Things should work quickly again.

If it only happens for Excel file, please try this:

File > Options > Advanced > General Section > Tick the option "Ignore other application that use Dynamic Data Exchange"

Thanks.

Tony Chen
TechNet Community Support

March 15th, 2014 4:41am

Hello Everyone:

This solved my problem: Choose Run and enter Excel.exe /regserver
 
This will cause Excel to start up, re-register all of its registry keys, then quit. Now, try opening your Excel files.

Source: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/616a0f55-da82-41c3-8502-5092db4c5bb6/upgraded-to-2013-cant-view-files-by-double-clicking-file?forum=excel 

  • Proposed as answer by KLOTT 14 hours 7 minutes ago
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March 30th, 2014 6:57pm

Hello Everyone:

This solved my problem: Choose Run and enter Excel.exe /regserver
 
This will cause Excel to start up, re-register all of its registry keys, then quit. Now, try opening your Excel files.

Source: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/616a0f55-da82-41c3-8502-5092db4c5bb6/upgraded-to-2013-cant-view-files-by-double-clicking-file?forum=excel 

  • Proposed as answer by KLOTT Friday, June 12, 2015 5:22 PM
March 30th, 2014 6:57pm

Hello Everyone:

This solved my problem: Choose Run and enter Excel.exe /regserver
 
This will cause Excel to start up, re-register all of its registry keys, then quit. Now, try opening your Excel files.

Source: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/616a0f55-da82-41c3-8502-5092db4c5bb6/upgraded-to-2013-cant-view-files-by-double-clicking-file?forum=excel 

  • Proposed as answer by KLOTT Friday, June 12, 2015 5:22 PM
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March 30th, 2014 6:57pm

Hello Tony,

I have the same problem: When I upgraded to Office 2013, only in Excel that I cannot double-click to open my old .xlsx files. I tried your "File > Options > Advanced > General Section > Tick the option "Ignore other application that use Dynamic Data Exchange"  but it did not resolve the issue. Can you please help?

Thanks,

Scalpel-11

March 30th, 2014 9:29pm

Hello Everyone:

This solved my problem: Choose Run and enter Excel.exe /regserver
 
This will cause Excel to start up, re-register all of its registry keys, then quit. Now, try opening your Excel files.

Source: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/616a0f55-da82-41c3-8502-5092db4c5bb6/upgraded-to-2013-cant-view-files-by-double-clicking-file?forum=excel 

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March 30th, 2014 9:57pm

Hello everyone

I have the same problem that double clicking an excel file only starts excel but the file is not shown. The problem does not exist for other office applications. I tried both of the above mentioned solutions, but neither worked :(

any other suggestions?

March 31st, 2014 1:52pm

Hello everyone

I have the same problem that double clicking an excel file only starts excel but the file is not shown. The problem does not exist for other office applications. I tried both of the above mentioned solutions, but neither worked :(

any other suggestions?

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 31st, 2014 4:52pm

Hello everyone

I have the same problem that double clicking an excel file only starts excel but the file is not shown. The problem does not exist for other office applications. I tried both of the above mentioned solutions, but neither worked :(

any other suggestions?

March 31st, 2014 4:52pm

Hello All

I have spent a frustrating several few hours searching for an answer to this

I tried the proposed DDE and a couple of other things that reportedly have worked for others, including fiddling with the registry. Nothing worked. However, the following did.

SOLUTION

1/ UNINSTALL your copy of Microsoft Office

2 REBOOT your pc

3/ REINSTALL Microsoft Office

Not very clever but it WORKS!! For me at least

Have a nice day :)


Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
April 14th, 2014 8:17am

Hello All

I have spent a frustrating several few hours searching for an answer to this

I tried the proposed DDE and a couple of other things that reportedly have worked for others, including fiddling with the registry. Nothing worked. However, the following did.

SOLUTION

1/ UNINSTALL your copy of Microsoft Office

2 REBOOT your pc

3/ REINSTALL Microsoft Office

Not very clever but it WORKS!! For me at least

Have a nice day :)


April 14th, 2014 11:17am

Hello All

I have spent a frustrating several few hours searching for an answer to this

I tried the proposed DDE and a couple of other things that reportedly have worked for others, including fiddling with the registry. Nothing worked. However, the following did.

SOLUTION

1/ UNINSTALL your copy of Microsoft Office

2 REBOOT your pc

3/ REINSTALL Microsoft Office

Not very clever but it WORKS!! For me at least

Have a nice day :)


Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
April 14th, 2014 11:17am

Your suggestion didn't fix it for me ...

FIXED - see 3) below (actually 3b) fixed this issue for me. :)

I have these installed:
* Windows 8.1 (64bit)
* MS Project Pro 2010 installed locally (via DreamSpark as a Uni student)
* MS Visio Pro 2013 installed locally (via DreamSpark as a Uni student)
* MS Office 365 ProPlus (Office 2013) installed locally (via MS Student Advantage as a Uni student)

I am trying to open excel files (*.xls & *.xlsx) that were created with MS Office 2010 OR LibreOffice OR OpenOffice. When I double click one to open it, Excel (2013) opens but the file does not & there is no error message displayed.  I can only open the file in Excel by using File > Open > & browse for the file.
When I open *.xls files, it shows " [Compatibility Mode] - Excel" after the filename in the title bar. Everything else works fine such as editing, printing & saving, just not double clicking to open.

Potential Checks:

1) In Excel > File > Options > Advanced > 'Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)' is NOT ticked (by default).

2) *.xls & *.xlsx files are set to open with excel by default, however I have tried re-setting this, but it didn't fix the problem.

3) Re-register Excel with Windows.
The path for my excel.exe is C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe, the path differs depending on your Windows & Office version.

3a)For Office 2003 or earlier, run these 2 separate commands in 'Run' (Windows key + R), however as we are talking about Office 2013, this method is invalid, use 3b) instead.
Windows key + R (run) >
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe" /unregserver
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe" /regserver

3b) As per http://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/StartupProblems.asp, apparently /regserver only works up to Office 2003 as it was removed in Office 2007.
For Office 2007 & above, you need to run Office setup in 'Repair' mode from 'Programs & Features' (aka 'Add/Remove Programs') via 'Control Panel'.
eg: Control Panel > Programs & Features (Add/Remove Programs) > select Office 2013 > Change > Repair.
THIS FIXED MINE :)

4) Right click excel.exe > Properties > there is no 'Compatibility' tab so I can't do the following:
Uncheck the box 'Run this Program in Compatibility Mode',
Make sure you also click on the option 'change settings for all users' tab at the bottom of the same screen.
> Apply > Ok.

5) Installed MS Office Configuration Analyzer Tool (OffCAT) via http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2812744/en-us
and ran it for Office 2013 (ClickToRun). The only results were:
* WARNING - hyperlinks are not working in Outlook
* INFORMATIONAL - Cashed Credentials (Win Vista & above)

6) other suggestions via http://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/StartupProblems.asp

Regards
Shell


  • Edited by shell_l_d Sunday, April 27, 2014 1:15 PM
  • Proposed as answer by shell_l_d Sunday, April 27, 2014 1:16 PM
April 27th, 2014 8:31am

I can't find those options in Windows 8.1 & I'm using Office 365 through Uni & Excel is giving me the same problem.

Control Panel > select 'Small Icons' instead of 'Category' > Folder Options.  

There is no 'File Types' tab or option to select.


ALTHOUGH ... it is only happening for Excel for me & the 'Ignore other applications that use DDE' option is already turned off.  So this did not solve the problem f

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April 27th, 2014 10:34am

Your suggestion didn't fix it for me ...

FIXED - see 3) below (actually 3b) fixed this issue for me. :)

I have these installed:
* Windows 8.1 (64bit)
* MS Project Pro 2010 installed locally (via DreamSpark as a Uni student)
* MS Visio Pro 2013 installed locally (via DreamSpark as a Uni student)
* MS Office 365 ProPlus (Office 2013) installed locally (via MS Student Advantage as a Uni student)

I am trying to open excel files (*.xls & *.xlsx) that were created with MS Office 2010 OR LibreOffice OR OpenOffice. When I double click one to open it, Excel (2013) opens but the file does not & there is no error message displayed.  I can only open the file in Excel by using File > Open > & browse for the file.
When I open *.xls files, it shows " [Compatibility Mode] - Excel" after the filename in the title bar. Everything else works fine such as editing, printing & saving, just not double clicking to open.

Potential Checks:

1) In Excel > File > Options > Advanced > 'Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)' is NOT ticked (by default).

2) *.xls & *.xlsx files are set to open with excel by default, however I have tried re-setting this, but it didn't fix the problem.

3) Re-register Excel with Windows.
The path for my excel.exe is C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe, the path differs depending on your Windows & Office version.

3a)For Office 2003 or earlier, run these 2 separate commands in 'Run' (Windows key + R), however as we are talking about Office 2013, this method is invalid, use 3b) instead.
Windows key + R (run) >
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe" /unregserver
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe" /regserver

3b) As per http://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/StartupProblems.asp, apparently /regserver only works up to Office 2003 as it was removed in Office 2007.
For Office 2007 & above, you need to run Office setup in 'Repair' mode from 'Programs & Features' (aka 'Add/Remove Programs') via 'Control Panel'.
eg: Control Panel > Programs & Features (Add/Remove Programs) > select Office 2013 > Change > Repair.
THIS FIXED MINE :)

4) Right click excel.exe > Properties > there is no 'Compatibility' tab so I can't do the following:
Uncheck the box 'Run this Program in Compatibility Mode',
Make sure you also click on the option 'change settings for all users' tab at the bottom of the same screen.
> Apply > Ok.

5) Installed MS Office Configuration Analyzer Tool (OffCAT) via http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2812744/en-us
and ran it for Office 2013 (ClickToRun). The only results were:
* WARNING - hyperlinks are not working in Outlook
* INFORMATIONAL - Cashed Credentials (Win Vista & above)

6) other suggestions via http://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/StartupProblems.asp

Regards
Shell


  • Edited by shell_l_d Sunday, April 27, 2014 1:15 PM
  • Proposed as answer by shell_l_d Sunday, April 27, 2014 1:16 PM
April 27th, 2014 11:31am

Your suggestion didn't fix it for me ...

FIXED - see 3) below (actually 3b) fixed this issue for me. :)

I have these installed:
* Windows 8.1 (64bit)
* MS Project Pro 2010 installed locally (via DreamSpark as a Uni student)
* MS Visio Pro 2013 installed locally (via DreamSpark as a Uni student)
* MS Office 365 ProPlus (Office 2013) installed locally (via MS Student Advantage as a Uni student)

I am trying to open excel files (*.xls & *.xlsx) that were created with MS Office 2010 OR LibreOffice OR OpenOffice. When I double click one to open it, Excel (2013) opens but the file does not & there is no error message displayed.  I can only open the file in Excel by using File > Open > & browse for the file.
When I open *.xls files, it shows " [Compatibility Mode] - Excel" after the filename in the title bar. Everything else works fine such as editing, printing & saving, just not double clicking to open.

Potential Checks:

1) In Excel > File > Options > Advanced > 'Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)' is NOT ticked (by default).

2) *.xls & *.xlsx files are set to open with excel by default, however I have tried re-setting this, but it didn't fix the problem.

3) Re-register Excel with Windows.
The path for my excel.exe is C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe, the path differs depending on your Windows & Office version.

3a)For Office 2003 or earlier, run these 2 separate commands in 'Run' (Windows key + R), however as we are talking about Office 2013, this method is invalid, use 3b) instead.
Windows key + R (run) >
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe" /unregserver
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe" /regserver

3b) As per http://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/StartupProblems.asp, apparently /regserver only works up to Office 2003 as it was removed in Office 2007.
For Office 2007 & above, you need to run Office setup in 'Repair' mode from 'Programs & Features' (aka 'Add/Remove Programs') via 'Control Panel'.
eg: Control Panel > Programs & Features (Add/Remove Programs) > select Office 2013 > Change > Repair.
THIS FIXED MINE :)

4) Right click excel.exe > Properties > there is no 'Compatibility' tab so I can't do the following:
Uncheck the box 'Run this Program in Compatibility Mode',
Make sure you also click on the option 'change settings for all users' tab at the bottom of the same screen.
> Apply > Ok.

5) Installed MS Office Configuration Analyzer Tool (OffCAT) via http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2812744/en-us
and ran it for Office 2013 (ClickToRun). The only results were:
* WARNING - hyperlinks are not working in Outlook
* INFORMATIONAL - Cashed Credentials (Win Vista & above)

6) other suggestions via http://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/StartupProblems.asp

Regards
Shell


  • Edited by shell_l_d Sunday, April 27, 2014 1:15 PM
  • Proposed as answer by shell_l_d Sunday, April 27, 2014 1:16 PM
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April 27th, 2014 11:31am

I went to the windows control panel and did a repair for my Office 365 (quick repair and then online repair). Post that I started getting the following message while launching excel "there was a problem sending the command to the program".

I then ran a wizard driven utility provided by Microsoft that solved my problem. (I'm unable to paste the link here due to a rule imposed by Microsoft in this forum). However search for "there was a problem sending the command to the program" on google and you will be directed to the support portal of Microsoft where you will get this wizard. 

Now double clicking an excel file opens as expected.

  • Proposed as answer by chiu chan 11 hours 22 minutes ago
April 29th, 2014 8:17am

I went to the windows control panel and did a repair for my Office 365 (quick repair and then online repair). Post that I started getting the following message while launching excel "there was a problem sending the command to the program".

I then ran a wizard driven utility provided by Microsoft that solved my problem. (I'm unable to paste the link here due to a rule imposed by Microsoft in this forum). However search for "there was a problem sending the command to the program" on google and you will be directed to the support portal of Microsoft where you will get this wizard. 

Now double clicking an excel file opens as expected.

  • Proposed as answer by chiu chan Friday, May 29, 2015 8:06 PM
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April 29th, 2014 8:17am

I went to the windows control panel and did a repair for my Office 365 (quick repair and then online repair). Post that I started getting the following message while launching excel "there was a problem sending the command to the program".

I then ran a wizard driven utility provided by Microsoft that solved my problem. (I'm unable to paste the link here due to a rule imposed by Microsoft in this forum). However search for "there was a problem sending the command to the program" on google and you will be directed to the support portal of Microsoft where you will get this wizard. 

Now double clicking an excel file opens as expected.

  • Proposed as answer by chiu chan Friday, May 29, 2015 8:06 PM
April 29th, 2014 8:17am

I went to the windows control panel and did a repair for my Office 365 (quick repair and then online repair). Post that I started getting the following message while launching excel "there was a problem sending the command to the program".

I then ran a wizard driven utility provided by Microsoft that solved my problem. (I'm unable to paste the link here due to a rule imposed by Microsoft in this forum). However search for "there was a problem sending the command to the program" on google and you will be directed to the support portal of Microsoft where you will get this wizard. 

Now double clicking an excel file opens as expected.

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April 29th, 2014 11:17am

above solution fixed it for me.

Uninstall

Reboot

Install

run wizard driven utility provided by Microsoft

April 30th, 2014 10:22am

Go 3b! It worked
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June 1st, 2014 4:55am

yes, 3b by @shell_l_d works for me too. just a QUICK repair will do (:
July 11th, 2014 7:55am

The repair didn't work for me.  

On 2 computers recently I had to flat out
uninstall
reboot
install.

Jack
Office 365 click2run

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July 25th, 2014 11:41pm

I finally got mine to work after a compete uninstall, reboot, and did a fresh install. Works absolutely perfect.

Thanks for the insights . . .

August 8th, 2014 7:23pm

This is the only method that worked for me.
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August 11th, 2014 4:56pm

This sounds like a solution, but my MS 7 system does not display"File Types" in the Control Panel Folder Options.  Thus I cannot find how to try this solution.  Thanks  LE 
August 11th, 2014 7:52pm

I found that this worked for me, right click on xls or doc file, click properties, click change and select program to open that file, I was having same problem after upgrading to office 2013, I hope this helps.

 
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August 13th, 2014 3:11am

This solved my problem too. Thank you very much!
September 2nd, 2014 3:21pm

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 11th, 2014 10:48am

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

September 11th, 2014 10:48am

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 11th, 2014 10:48am

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

September 11th, 2014 1:48pm

There's also fix available that will resolve one of these blank screen scenarios.  If you're using Microsoft User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) and receiving the error "There was a problem sending a command to the program" make sure you have the latest updates installed for UE-V.  There's a UE-V Hotfix for this specific issue available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2927019.  If you're not using UE-V, there're additional reported solutions to the blank screen experience in this article as well: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2994633
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September 11th, 2014 10:24pm

Re: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Thank you!  I tried the solutions above aside from reinstalling the Office, and this is the only one that worked.

  • Edited by oksy Friday, September 19, 2014 1:38 PM
September 19th, 2014 1:37pm

Re: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Thank you!  I tried the solutions above aside from reinstalling the Office, and this is the only one that worked.

  • Edited by oksy Friday, September 19, 2014 1:38 PM
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September 19th, 2014 4:37pm

Re: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Thank you!  I tried the solutions above aside from reinstalling the Office, and this is the only one that worked.

  • Edited by oksy Friday, September 19, 2014 1:38 PM
September 19th, 2014 4:37pm

For office 365 ProPlus an online repair fixes it for my users. It's happened to more than one computer. No reboot required.
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September 19th, 2014 6:31pm

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

Thank You, this method worked for me, i didnt have to uninstall and reinstall office
October 2nd, 2014 4:14am

For a complete list of reported solutions to this issue, refer to http://support2.microsoft.com/kb/2994633.
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October 14th, 2014 7:21pm

Great!!!....it Works!!!....thank you very much!!
October 14th, 2014 10:48pm

3b worked for me.  Thanks!
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November 10th, 2014 12:43am

Thanks! 3b did it for me.
November 20th, 2014 4:20pm

@jonesdc (and others)

changing the registry to this: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1" did it for me!

Thanks.

Must say that Office 2013 is not that great at first glance. I am using it a week now and I find it kind of a downgrade when compared to Office 2010. Hope it's just "getting used to", but I do not want to give in on ease-of-work.

Jo.

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December 1st, 2014 12:14am

3b - 'Quick repair' worked for me. So happy!

Thanks very much

January 6th, 2015 3:07am


3b)  
For Office 2007 & above, you need to run Office setup in 'Repair' mode from 'Programs & Features' (aka 'Add/Remove Programs') via 'Control Panel'.
eg: Control Panel > Programs & Features (Add/Remove Programs) > select Office 2013 > Change > Repair.

Doing this with the 'quick repair' option resolved it for me (Win7, Office Pro Plus 2013) 

Thank you Shell!

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January 9th, 2015 10:24pm

I also went with this method, and it worked. Having said that, my Excel was running on compat mode and I had to untick that in reference to this post by @shell_l_d
January 15th, 2015 12:15pm

I'm on Windows 8.1 Pro, Office 365, Excel and Word 2013.  Doing a Quick Repair fixed it for me.  Control Panel->Programs, select Office 365, then Change, then Quick Repair.

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January 30th, 2015 11:14pm

Option 3b Quick Repair worked for me too!  Thanks.
February 1st, 2015 6:12pm

Option 3b Quick Repair worked for me too!  Thanks.
  • Edited by Numbers Guy Sunday, February 01, 2015 11:12 PM
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February 1st, 2015 11:11pm

Option 3b Quick Repair worked for me too!  Thanks.
  • Edited by Numbers Guy Sunday, February 01, 2015 11:12 PM
February 2nd, 2015 2:11am

Thanks,

That works for me.

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February 12th, 2015 10:14pm

Hey guys! 3b WORKEDDDDD!!!!!
February 26th, 2015 10:52pm

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

I had tried everything in: http://support2.microsoft.com/kb/2994633 including checking and clearing the DDE checkbox in Advanced Options, but it didn't start working until I made the change in the registry.
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March 5th, 2015 10:22pm

Yippee! 

jonesdc had the correct solution to those with MS Window 7 Professional, using Office.  I experienced the same difficulty of opening Excel files, by either single or double clicking.  I could, however, access the Excel file through what I could call the "back door," as noted when this string started - I could access the file by clicking on "File" (with the blank excel template), then "New," then "Browse," etc.

Thanks for making this a short exercise jonesdc.  I was not looking forward to uninstalling, reboot, install.

March 7th, 2015 6:22am

You may have apps related to windows 8 and above. If you already have Microsoft office it is not enough. You have to go to Apps store and install Microsoft office there too. Typically if you log into your Microsoft account you do not have to pay any more money.

Hope this helps

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March 11th, 2015 1:57pm

If you're having problems repair the office 2013.

Start > Control Panel > Uninstall or change program > Right click on the office 2013 > Click Change > Select repair

Allow repair to finish and run excel again.

March 13th, 2015 1:41pm

I did the same thing (see 3b above) and did the repair and got the same error when opening the file "there was a problem sending the command to the program".

However I didn't have to run the utility to solve the problem, it was the turning on of the DDE in the advanced menu e.g 1) In Excel > File > Options > Advanced > 'Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)' is NOT ticked (by default)

I had tried turning this option on as per earlier fixes and having this on is what caused the above error.

Just run the repair on office as per 3b solution above and make sure you DONT have the ignore Dynamic data exchange option ticked (unselect it) as it is above and the repair should fix your file opening problems, only one that's worked for me with this problem.

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March 16th, 2015 11:16pm

Quick Repair fixed the problem for me. Thanks for your help.
March 20th, 2015 2:48pm

This was the answer to my issue also. However if you upgraded from 2007 or had 2007 installed before installing 2013, (at least for my case) in addition to the key you listed i had to change the registry setting located at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.8\shell\Open\command 

to the same value you listed of: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

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April 2nd, 2015 7:45pm

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

THIS is the actual correct answer.  All the other answers (except Microsoft moderator's completely wrong answers) are "prerequisite" in order for this additional step to work correctly.  But this last answer, by "jonesdc" is exactly correct.  ATTN: ENSURE you use the EXACT path to the CURRENT executable; it is paramount for this to work.

Note:  The Microsoft moderator's answer is not only wrong, but completely irrelevant to the O.P.'s conditions as stated, "Windows 7 and a fresh install of Office 2013"

There is absolutely no option available as the Microsoft moderator has proposed.  His answer hasn't been valid since WinXP/Server 2003 version of the OS.

How is it that we cannot down vote, and/or mark the Microsoft answer as "wrong".  


April 10th, 2015 2:42pm

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

THIS is the actual correct answer.  All the other answers (except Microsoft moderator's completely wrong answers) are "prerequisite" in order for this additional step to work correctly.  But this last answer, by "jonesdc" is exactly correct.  ATTN: ENSURE you use the EXACT path to the CURRENT executable; it is paramount for this to work.

Note:  The Microsoft moderator's answer is not only wrong, but completely irrelevant to the O.P.'s conditions as stated, "Windows 7 and a fresh install of Office 2013"

There is absolutely no option available as the Microsoft moderator has proposed.  His answer hasn't been valid since WinXP/Server 2003 version of the OS.

How is it that we cannot down vote, and/or mark the Microsoft answer as "wrong".  


Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
April 10th, 2015 6:41pm

Everyone,

I've tried this and it works!  Click on the Start Button, in the run box type "regedit" (without the quotes) and then click the command. This will open the Registry Editor. Go to the registry key listed below.

Key:  HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command

Highlight the key, select the value (Default), select "Edit/Modify" from the pull-down menu and then enter the value below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" "%1"

Note: Your original Key maybe something like the value listed below:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\Root\Office15\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Simply remove the /dde and replace with "%1".  This Key is for a computer that has Microsoft Office 2013 installed.  You may be able to find a similar Key for earlier versions of Microsoft Office Excel.

Good luck!

THIS is the actual correct answer.  All the other answers (except Microsoft moderator's completely wrong answers) are "prerequisite" in order for this additional step to work correctly.  But this last answer, by "jonesdc" is exactly correct.  ATTN: ENSURE you use the EXACT path to the CURRENT executable; it is paramount for this to work.

Note:  The Microsoft moderator's answer is not only wrong, but completely irrelevant to the O.P.'s conditions as stated, "Windows 7 and a fresh install of Office 2013"

There is absolutely no option available as the Microsoft moderator has proposed.  His answer hasn't been valid since WinXP/Server 2003 version of the OS.

How is it that we cannot down vote, and/or mark the Microsoft answer as "wrong".  


April 10th, 2015 6:41pm

Hello Sir, 

I've been experiencing this problem, and found out that it is related to the Protected View in Microsoft Office. If you disable protected view, the problem will be solved. 

Also i would like to mention that you may be experiencing problems with your antivirus.

Hope this helps.

Thank you

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April 14th, 2015 8:25pm

Thank you!  Brand new install of Office 2013 and was having this issue.  Made the registry change and working as it should now.
April 20th, 2015 7:46pm

Up.

Repair online took around 40 minutes but solved my problem.

Note: I hope we can get a update/patch for this "bug".

Thank you.

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April 28th, 2015 3:16am

do you have to restart before changes take effect in registry?
May 4th, 2015 10:21am

I went to the windows control panel and did a repair for my Office 365 (quick repair and then online repair). Post that I started getting the following message while launching excel "there was a problem sending the command to the program".

I then ran a wizard driven utility provided by Microsoft that solved my problem. (I'm unable to paste the link here due to a rule imposed by Microsoft in this forum). However search for "there was a problem sending the command to the program" on google and you will be directed to the support portal of Microsoft where you will get this wizard. 

Now double clicking an excel file opens as expected.


The first item resolved this for me.  A quick (non-online) repair and it's good to go now.  Glad to find this because this was a huge pain in the . . . well you get the point.
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May 23rd, 2015 7:25pm

Thank you.  This solution worked for me. 
May 27th, 2015 4:51pm

this has worked for me.

we have pc installing both 2010 and 2013 office. after removing 2010, we couldn't double click excel and word ext files. after running the quick repair, it fixed the problem, don't even need to reboot the pc. Thank you!

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May 29th, 2015 4:08pm

Thanks Shell - 3b worked for me with Office 13 - Had the same problem with Office 2010 only in excel, and none of the fixes worked. Even R&R, That is why I upgraded only to experience the same issue. Quick repair worked. Thanks!
June 6th, 2015 4:47pm

Thanks Shell - 3b worked for me with Office 13 - Had the same problem with Office 2010 only in excel, and none of the fixes worked. Even R&R, That is why I upgraded only to experience the same issue. Quick repair worked. Thanks!
  • Proposed as answer by CMACALAB 10 hours 7 minutes ago
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June 6th, 2015 8:46pm

Thanks Shell - 3b worked for me with Office 13 - Had the same problem with Office 2010 only in excel, and none of the fixes worked. Even R&R, That is why I upgraded only to experience the same issue. Quick repair worked. Thanks!
  • Proposed as answer by CMACALAB Friday, September 11, 2015 9:22 PM
June 6th, 2015 8:46pm

This worked for me!  Also, the icons in the file manager now reflect Excel instead of a generic image.

Thanks!

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June 12th, 2015 1:22pm

Thanks for this post Shell and rest of the team.

I had the same problem and I was able to solve it by using the first three points on this post.

July 1st, 2015 4:33am

Thanks,

This one worked perfectly fine for me! No need to uninstall-reinstall.

Great!

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July 14th, 2015 3:43pm

Yup! The "program features/repair" suggestion worked. All else failed. Thanks to all.
July 16th, 2015 3:18pm

Thanks so much for this.  I've been tearing my hair out (not much left now) over this and 3b worked a treat (Office 365).  SO easy but why don't things just WORK!!

John
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July 19th, 2015 2:04am

I recently changed some settings which led to my Excel opening without its worksheets and a message that said my file might have been deleted, renamed, or misplaced.  Re-registering all the keys helped the best. I recommend KLOTT's method.

Thank you!

August 17th, 2015 9:49pm

Hello Matt,

I've read your question as well as the rest of the solutions!

I also had the same problem as yours that only makes my Excel files unable to display their content.

Just try to open the main file "EXCEL.EXE" which can be accessed as follows:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\office15\excel.exe

Then try to open your Excel work file.

Regards

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August 18th, 2015 5:23pm

Click on the view tab, select Unhide in the Window section of the tab


September 11th, 2015 3:58pm

There is no "File Types" selection via the suggested path: "... Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types ...", at least not in Windows 7.  Do you have an alternate recommendation?  CM
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September 11th, 2015 5:30pm

Tony Chen,

The Suggestion for "Excel only" did not work either...

If it only happens for Excel file, please try this:

File > Options > Advanced > General Section > Tick the option "Ignore other application that use Dynamic Data Exchange

I'll restart, but I wanted to reply before restarting...

Thanks,  CM

September 11th, 2015 5:43pm

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