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fayaaz's avatar
fayaaz
Copper Contributor
Dec 25, 2023

New excel file cannot open because the file format or file extension is not valid

Hi. When I right-click on my desktop and create a new Excel file and try to open it, it gives the error "Excel cannot open the file 'New Microsoft Excel Worksheet.xlsx' because the file format or file extension is not valid"

 

I have seen other threads and websites on this, like these two: 

 

https://www.stellarinfo.com/article/excel-cannot-open-the-file-because-the-extension-is-not-valid.php#article2

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/excel/excel-cannot-be-open-the-file-filename-xlsx-because-the-file/m-p/1504346

 

however, none of the methods helped me. 

 

I am not trying to recover any data just want to fix the issue.

 

I can open other existing excel files and can even create a new workbook from the excel app when its opened but I want to know why this is happening and how to resolve it.

 

Your help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

excel
  • mathetes's avatar
    mathetes
    Silver Contributor
    Dec 29, 2023

    fayaaz 

     

    Hi. When I right-click on my desktop and create a new Excel file and try to open it, it gives the error "Excel cannot open the file 'New Microsoft Excel Worksheet.xlsx' because the file format or file extension is not valid"

     

    I am not trying to recover any data just want to fix the issue.

     

    I can open other existing excel files and can even create a new workbook from the excel app when its opened but I want to know why this is happening and how to resolve it.

     

    Hi.

    You've had well over 100 views without response. I suspect it's because the description you give doesn't really make sense.

     

    When, for example, I follow those opening steps you describe and I "right-click on my desktop" I don't get any prompts to create an Excel file of any kind, or, for that matter, any other kind of file; I get prompted instead, .... well, here, let me show you

     

     So I can't begin to visualize what you're even doing to get you into this situation, especially since you conclude, as you do, with the statement that you can do all the normal things in the normal way without any problem. 

     

    So I think you may be leaving others--those who've not responded at all--as you do me, wondering what the problem actually is.

    • fayaaz's avatar
      fayaaz
      Copper Contributor
      Dec 30, 2023

      mathetes You're right. I should have been more specific.

       

      My OS is Windows so I assumed everyone on the Microsoft platform would be using the same. Sorry.

       

      I have attached a picture below to help show what I meant by right-clicking to make a new excel file.

       

      When I create the file, it gives me the error I mentioned in the first post

       

  • Just_Call_Me_Albert's avatar
    Just_Call_Me_Albert
    Copper Contributor
    Apr 23, 2024

    fayaaz 

     

    Unfortunately, I do not have a solution. I was hoping you had found a solution and can provide an update for the community.

     

    I just encountered this issue myself with one of my customers. She is using Home and Business 2021 on a Windows 11 Pro. There is no issue if she creates a new document from Excel itself. It appears to be a Windows 11 issue from the new document menu. (As you posted as well.) I did a System Restore to prior the last update -- no go. (BTW, System Restore is getting harder to find in Windows 11.)

     

    For the record, the build number reads: Version 23H2, Build 22631.3447. I got this info after the system restore.

     

  • KimS_2240's avatar
    KimS_2240
    Copper Contributor
    May 21, 2024
    Same issue here with one of my colleagues. Files created from the desktop are auto-corrupt with 0 KB and the error that Excel cannot open the file because the file format or file extension is not valid.

    Excel is set as default app for all Excel associated file types.
    Excel works fine from Start Menu and creating files once Excel is open works fine as well.
    • DBWard's avatar
      DBWard
      Copper Contributor
      Jun 19, 2024
      This is not a Windows 11 issue, at least for me. This has been an issue for me on a Dell desktop machine for as long as I can remember (I purchased it 6 years ago), and repairing Office 365 has not helped. I suspect that the template for a new Excel file created via File Explorer is either missing or 0-length, but I have been unable to it. Any suggestions on where to look?