Excel: Understanding and Resolving the “This File Type is Not Supported in Protected View” Error

Excel: Understanding and Resolving the “This File Type is Not Supported in Protected View” Error

Microsoft Excel, a widely used spreadsheet application, occasionally encounters issues that hinder its functionality. One such issue is the “This file type is not supported in Protected View” error, which prevents users from opening certain files. This article delves into the causes and provides comprehensive solutions to resolve this error effectively.

Causes of the Error

1. Protected View Restrictions:
   Excel’s Protected View feature aims to safeguard users from potentially malicious files by restricting the execution of certain file types. This security measure can lead to the error when attempting to open unsupported file types in Protected View.
2. File Association Issues:
   Incorrect file associations can also trigger the error. When Excel is not set as the default program for handling specific file types, it may fail to open them, resulting in the error message.
3. Corrupted Files:
   Damaged or corrupted Excel files can cause various issues, including the “This file type is not supported in Protected View” error. File corruption can occur due to abrupt system shutdowns, virus infections, or improper file transfers.

Solutions to Resolve the Error

1. Disable Protected View:
   Disabling Protected View temporarily allows users to open unsupported file types. However, this action compromises security and should be done with caution. To disable Protected View:
   • Open Excel, navigate to “File > Options > Trust Center,” and click “Trust Center Settings.”
   • Under “Protected View,” uncheck all three options and click “OK.”
2. Associate Files with Excel:
   Ensure that Excel is the default program for handling the problematic file type. To set file associations:
   • Right-click on a file of the unsupported type, select “Properties,” and click the “Change” button under “Opens with.”
   • Choose Excel from the list of programs or browse to its location and click “OK.”
3. Repair Corrupted Files:
   If the error persists, the file may be corrupted. To repair a corrupted Excel file:
   • Open Excel, click “File > Open,” and select the corrupted file.
   • Click the “Open” button with the arrow next to it and choose “Open and Repair.”
   • Excel will attempt to repair the file and open it in a new window.
4. Update Office Suite:
   Outdated versions of Microsoft Office may encounter compatibility issues with certain file types. Updating the Office suite can resolve these issues. To update Office:
   • Open any Office application, click “File > Account,” and select “Update Options > Update Now.”
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
5. Reinstall Microsoft Office:
   In cases where the error persists despite trying the above solutions, reinstalling Microsoft Office may be necessary. To reinstall Office:
   • Uninstall the current Office installation through the Control Panel or Settings app.
   • Download the latest version of Office from Microsoft’s website.
   • Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Conclusion

The “This file type is not supported in Protected View” error in Excel can be caused by various factors, including Protected View restrictions, file association issues, corrupted files, and outdated software. By disabling Protected View, associating files with Excel, repairing corrupted files, updating the Office suite, or reinstalling Microsoft Office, users can effectively resolve this error and regain access to their files.

FAQ

What causes the “This file type is not supported in Protected View” error in Excel?

The error can be caused by Protected View restrictions, incorrect file associations, corrupted Excel files, or an outdated Microsoft Office suite.

How can I disable Protected View in Excel?

To disable Protected View:
– Open Excel, navigate to “File > Options > Trust Center,” and click “Trust Center Settings.”
– Under “Protected View,” uncheck all three options and click “OK.”

What should I do if I encounter file association issues?

To resolve file association issues:
– Right-click on a file of the unsupported type, select “Properties,” and click the “Change” button under “Opens with.”
– Choose Excel from the list of programs or browse to its location and click “OK.”

How can I repair corrupted Excel files?

To repair a corrupted Excel file:
– Open Excel, click “File > Open,” and select the corrupted file.
– Click the “Open” button with the arrow next to it and choose “Open and Repair.”
– Excel will attempt to repair the file and open it in a new window.

What should I do if updating the Office suite doesn’t resolve the issue?

If updating Office doesn’t resolve the error, try reinstalling Microsoft Office:
– Uninstall the current Office installation through the Control Panel or Settings app.
– Download the latest version of Office from Microsoft’s website.
– Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Are there any additional tips to prevent this error in the future?

To prevent the error in the future:
– Keep your Microsoft Office suite up to date with the latest updates.
– Be cautious when downloading files from untrusted sources, as they may contain malicious content that can corrupt Excel files.
– Regularly scan your computer for viruses and malware to prevent file corruption.

What if none of the solutions mentioned above work?

If none of the solutions resolve the error, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.