“Can’T Open Multiple Workbooks From The Desktop” In Excel

Struggling to open multiple workbooks at the same time in Excel? You’re not alone. This article can help you get back to productivity by providing solutions to this common problem.

Troubleshooting Excel Workbooks

Troubleshooting Excel Workbooks

Encountering issues while opening multiple Excel workbooks from the desktop can be frustrating. To fix this problem, you can try to check the file format, clear the Excel settings, or update the software.

It is also important to ensure that your system specifications meet the requirements to run Excel and that you have sufficient storage capacity. Furthermore, ensuring that the file path length is within the acceptable limit can also prevent errors.

One user reported encountering a similar issue when trying to update Excel 2007 PivotTables in Excel 2003. After researching online and reviewing support forums, they realized that the problem was caused by the two versions of Excel not being compatible and not supporting certain features. Upgrading to a newer version of Excel resolved the problem for them.

With these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve issues and improve your Excel experience.

Unable to Open Multiple Workbooks

Opening multiple workbooks in Excel can be a daunting task, but it shouldn’t be. If you are facing difficulties opening more than one workbook simultaneously, then this guide is for you. Here’s how to resolve the issue:

1. Activate Single Document Interface (SDI) in Excel.
   • Click on the File tab and select Options.
   • Select Advanced from the left pane.
   • Scroll down to the Display section and check the box next to “Show all windows in the taskbar.”
2. Disable Protected View.
   • Click on the File tab and select Options.
   • Select Trust Center from the left pane.
   • Click on Trust Center Settings.
   • Select Protected View from the left pane.
   • Disable all three options under Protected View.
3. Override the DDE protocol.
   • Click on the File tab and select Options.
   • Select Advanced from the left pane.
   • Scroll down to the General section and uncheck the box next to “Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE).”

Even after following these three steps, if you still can’t open multiple workbooks, ensure that you are running the latest version of Excel and that your computer meets the system requirements for it.

It’s a fact that Excel 2007 PivotTables cannot be updated in Excel 2003. So, it is always advisable to use the same version of Excel while working with multiple workbooks.

Fixing the Issue

To resolve the issue of being unable to open multiple workbooks from the desktop in Excel, the initial step would be to check if a setting in Excel that prevents opening of multiple workbooks is turned on. If it is, the setting can be disabled, allowing multiple workbooks to open without any problem. Another solution is to open Excel first, then open the workbooks through the “file” menu instead of double-clicking on them directly. This ensures that Excel is running multiple instances at once.

Apart from these steps, it is advised to make sure that both the Excel version and the operating system are compatible with each other. In cases where the workbooks are created in a newer version of Excel, they may not be able to open in older versions. A similar issue is encountered sometimes when updating Excel 2007 PivotTables in Excel 2003.

According to Microsoft Support, this issue can occur due to an incorrect Microsoft Office installation or due to a conflict with other running programs. It is advised to ensure that all Office updates are installed and to run a virus scan to ensure that there are no malware or virus interfering with the program’s functioning.

FAQs about “Can’T Open Multiple Workbooks From The Desktop” In Excel

Why can’t I open multiple workbooks from the desktop in Excel?

If you are unable to open multiple workbooks from your desktop in Excel, it may be due to a setting in your Excel options. Check your settings by going to File > Options > Advanced and ensure that the “Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)” box is unchecked.

What is Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)?

Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) is a protocol used for interprocess communication in Windows. It allows data to be shared between applications running on the same computer. In Excel, DDE can be used to share data between different instances of Excel, which can prevent users from opening multiple workbooks from the desktop.

Can I open multiple workbooks in Excel from the File menu?

Yes, you can open multiple workbooks in Excel from the File menu. Simply go to File > Open and select the workbooks you want to open. You can also select multiple workbooks at once by holding down the Ctrl key while selecting them.

How do I switch between multiple workbooks in Excel?

To switch between multiple workbooks in Excel, click on the View tab and then locate the Switch Windows button. Click on the button and select the workbook you want to switch to. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Tab to switch between open workbooks.

Why does Excel freeze when I try to open multiple workbooks?

If Excel freezes when you try to open multiple workbooks, it may be due to your computer’s resources being used up. Try closing any unnecessary programs or restarting your computer. You may also want to check the size of the workbooks you are trying to open and make sure they are not too large.

Can I merge multiple workbooks into one in Excel?

Yes, you can merge multiple workbooks into one in Excel. One way to do this is to open all the workbooks you want to merge and then copy the data from each workbook into a new workbook. You can also use the Consolidate feature under the Data tab to merge data from multiple workbooks into a single workbook.