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petargavrilov's avatar
petargavrilov
Copper Contributor
Apr 29, 2024

Sharepoint cannot open .xls files


Hello, I've got an organisation-wide issue where Sharepoint cannot open some (not all) .xls files I've uploaded to a directory. This issue seems to occur only in Sharepoint & I am able to open the files (before uploading them to Sharepoint) on Windows 10 without any issues. 

I've tried to circumvent this for my organisation and downloading the files results in a corrupt extension or file which cannot be opened either way.

My suspicion is that during the upload process something corrupts the extention but I cannot get down to finding a solution. Help is greatly appreciated!

3 Replies

  • Hi there,
    Excel Online doesn't support .XLS files, you should save the files in .XLSX format before uploading to SharePoint Online.

    Have you tried creating a OneDrive Shortcut to the Document Library and then opening the files from Windows Explorer?
    • petargavrilov's avatar
      petargavrilov
      Copper Contributor
      When I am downloading the file I have no choice on which format to save it since I am downloading the files from an accounting platform and the format is preset. I've also tried to change the extension of the files on my computer and when I upload them they're still being read as .xls instead of . xlsx.
      • SteveKnutson's avatar
        SteveKnutson
        MVP
        Unfortunately, it will be the file being generated by the accounting platform that is the issue. Renaming the file won't resolve the issue because it doesn't change the file format.

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