Excel file will not open or a formula looks wrong
Applies to: Excel for Microsoft 365
Last updated: September 18, 2026
- If Excel offers to repair the file, accept the repair and save a copy.
- When a download will not open, right-click the file, open Properties, and unblock it if that checkbox is present.
- If formulas show as text, check Formulas > Calculation Options and set the workbook to Automatic.
- Look for a leading apostrophe or a cell formatted as Text. Set the format to General and re-enter the formula.
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