Can’t open Excel 97 file (MS Office 2000 Pro/SP-3)

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I have received a file created in Excel 97 that I cannot open in Excel 2000 either directly by double clicking on its filename in Windows Explorer or from within Excel via File | Open. The file has been sent to me by my eldest son (I am supposed to be the family guru!) with the question why it cannot be opened by several of his colleagues (also Excel 97 users) to whom it was sent for their use.

My simple answer is I do not know why it cannot be opened. I have checked the file for a virus with a negative result. The error message I get is:

filename.xls:file format is not valid

Can anyone suggest a cause for this as I am told it is a recurring problem?

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Like all other file types, Excel workbooks can become corrupt. In my experience, this is very uncommon, though. So if it occurs regularly, there must be a problem with the computer on which it happens, or with the installation of Excel.

If you do a google for Open Corrupt Excel Workbook, or Excel Recovery, you’ll get lots of hits. For example, this was the first hit when I tried it; it contains some tips and links to recovery utilities.

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Thank you for the pointers Hans. I opened the file in Word & was able to read it. I’ll look into repairing or reinstalling Office on my son’s computer asap.

Thank you again for your further assistance.

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