Tips to open _XLS file

Can't open the _XLS file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open _XLS files as well as a list of programs that support _XLS files.

_XLS file extension

File Name Microsoft Excel Workbook
File Developer Microsoft Corporation
File Category Spreadsheet Files

The _XLS file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the _XLS files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the _XLS file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is _XLS file?

The file with the extension _XLS is the Spreadsheet Files file type. The creator of this file is Microsoft Corporation. Spreadsheet Files consists of 100 similar files. Microsoft Excel Workbook is most often found on 1 operating systems. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. It is recommended to use Microsoft Excel to handle this file. This is a program created by Microsoft Corporation. This file type can also be opened by 3 other programs. You can use Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel Viewer, Office 365 in case Microsoft Excel cannot be used.

How to open _XLS file?

The most common problem when using Microsoft Excel Workbook is that a specific _XLS is not associated with the program. This causes the file _XLS to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the _XLS file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Excel

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Microsoft Excel is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Microsoft Excel into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file _XLS.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with _XLS files

If, despite the installed application, the _XLS file does not start in the Microsoft Excel application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Microsoft Excel application as the default for handling the _XLS file.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version

If, however, after binding Microsoft Excel with Microsoft Excel Workbook there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the Microsoft Corporation website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the _XLS file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the _XLS file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our _XLS file. However, remember that not every infected _XLS file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the _XLS files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular _XLS file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft Corporation help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted _XLS files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the _XLS file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file _XLS to close. However, some background programs may block the _XLS file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.