Tips to open XLA file

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

XLA file extension

File Name Excel Add-In Format
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Plugin Files

The XLA file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the XLA files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the XLA file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is XLA file?

The XLA file has been categorized as Plugin Files. The author of this format is Microsoft. Additionally, the Plugin Files category contains 179 of other files. Excel Add-In Format is supported by 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, 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. There are also 3 alternative programs to handle the XLA file. You can use Microsoft Office, Microsoft Visual Studio in case Microsoft Excel cannot be used.

How to open XLA file?

An often recurring problem with Excel Add-In Format is that XLA is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open XLA, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the XLA 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. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Excel in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open XLA files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with XLA files

If, despite the installed application, the XLA file does not start in the Microsoft Excel application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. 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. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the XLA file with the Microsoft Excel program.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Excel program, it is possible that Excel Add-In Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to XLA files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file XLA or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover XLA files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the XLA files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair XLA file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Microsoft
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted XLA files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move XLA to a different directory.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the XLA file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If nothing helps, please reset the device.