Sometimes, this error can correct itself, as the error message only pops up once and the applications run on the second or third attempt. However, this does not mean it should be left untreated. Therefore, it needs to be fixed manually, as it may recur.
If you have Microsoft’s Compatibility Viewer, then uninstall it and try to open the Excel file. If it doesn’t work, then repair Microsoft Office from the Programs and Features window, and then check.
Method 1: Disabling the ‘Run program as administrator’ option.
Select ‘Properties’ by right-clicking on the shortcut to the application that is displaying the error message, then choose the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
Uncheck the ‘Run program as administrator’ box if it’s checked or enabled.
Method 2: Checking the DDE Option in Excel.
Open MS Office Excel and access the Excel Options box from the Office Menu. You can do this by clicking on the Office icon located in the top left corner of the application, and then selecting ‘Advanced’. Locate and uncheck or disable the option titled ‘Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)’ under General Options. After applying these changes, please restart the office application.
If the ‘Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)’ option is unchecked or disabled, enable the option using the checkbox, then restart the office application. After restart, again uncheck the option and then restart the office application.
Method 3: Change Excel Settings
There are a few settings that you can change to see if it helps. There are a lot of options that you can change but you don’t have to change all of these settings. You can change the settings one-by-one and keep checking if the problem is resolved.
Method 4: Fixing the Registry.
Even if Method 1 didn’t work for you, there is still hope. There is a registry fix that has helped many users. Follow the steps below to address the issue through the registry. Note: Messing up registry keys can cause serious issues. So, it is advised to make a backup of your registry keys in case something goes wrong. Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to backup and restore your registry.
Once done, check if the issue is resolved or not.
Method 5: Check and Disable Excel Add-ins
Sometimes Excel add-ins may cause this issue. If you recently installed an add-in, or even if it was around the time when this problem started, that could be a possible cause. Even if you don’t recall installing any new add-ins, disabling or uninstalling them from your Excel is worth a try.
This should do the job for you. If the problem is resolved then it’s clear that an add-in was causing the issue. You can now follow the above given steps and enable the add-ins one-by-one to determine which add-in was the root of the problem.
Method 6: Disable Dell Data Protection Security Authentication Service,
Note: This method is for Dell users. If you aren’t using a Dell computer then skip this method. If you have a Dell machine, the issue might be tied to the Dell Data Protection Security Authentication Service. This service, installed via Dell’s Digital Delivery service, primarily provides a security solution and authentication support. The cause behind the issues related to this service is currently unknown. However, many Dell users have resolved their problems by either disabling or uninstalling this service. The steps to disable the Dell Data Protection Security Authentication Service are given below.
Check if the issue is resolved. If the problem is gone then you know the culprit behind the issue. You can keep this service disabled without facing any major issues. You can also uninstall this service from the Programs and Features window if you really don’t want the service. On the other hand, if the problem still persists then you can simply turn on the service back again. Just follow the steps from 1-6 above but select the Automatic option in step 4.
Method 7: Disable Hardware Acceleration
The problem might also be caused by your video card. So, disabling this option solves the issue. This isn’t a solution but more of a workaround. So, keep checking for the latest updates from your video card manufacturer because there’s a high likelihood that your card manufacturer will release an update for this issue.
Once done, this should solve the issue. Keep this option enabled until you see a new update from your video card manufacturer. Then, you should disable this option after updating the video card. If this method does not solve the issue, then there’s no need to keep this option enabled. Simply follow the steps given above and uncheck the ‘Disable Hardware Acceleration’ option in Step 5.
Method 8: Reset Default Programs and File Associations
Sometimes the issue can be caused when Excel isn’t set as the default program to run the .xlsx files. Simply making Excel the default program and resetting the file associations can solve this issue for us. Follow the steps given below to reset the file associations
Method 9: Uninstalling the Additional Office Viewer.
This error message may also occur if you have installed Office Viewer in conjunction with Microsoft Office. If this is the case, uninstall it and retest.
