Fix Excel File Content Problems and Repair an XLSM Workbook in WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to stop repeated content problem and repair messages when opening an Excel XLSM workbook that contains macros, Power Query queries, pivot tables, or external references.
- Product
- WPS Office Spreadsheet
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Troubleshooting a macro-enabled Excel workbook that reports content problems when opened.
- Observed behavior
- The workbook shows content problem and repair warnings; the repaired content report lists changed or removed macros, queries, pivot tables, or external references, and the message may reappear.
Before you start, save a copy of the affected XLSM workbook and write down the exact repair message or repaired content report. This helps you compare what was removed or changed after each repair attempt.
Review the WPS repair report and locate damaged content
Use this first to see exactly what WPS Office repaired before you change anything else.
The repair report lists the components WPS Office changed or removed. Reviewing it first prevents you from accidentally keeping a partially repaired file as your only copy.
Open the affected XLSM workbook in WPS Office Spreadsheet by clicking File > Open.
When the content problem message appears, click Repair to generate the repaired content report.
Expand each report category and note any macros, Power Query queries, pivot tables, or external references that were removed or changed.
Compare the report with your original workbook copy and identify which sheets or data are missing.
Inspect and remove broken external references and defined names
Use this when the report points to external links, defined names, or invalid references.
Test macros, Power Query queries, and pivot tables separately in a new workbook
Use this when the original workbook keeps triggering repair messages after you remove bad links.
Repair Excel Content Problems with WPS Office Spreadsheet
WPS Office Spreadsheet can open the affected Excel workbook, show the repair report, and help you remove broken links or rebuild damaged macros, queries, and pivot tables in a familiar ribbon interface.
- 1. Download and open WPS Office Spreadsheet: Download WPS Office from the official WPS website, install it, and open WPS Office Spreadsheet.
- 2. Open the affected Excel workbook: Click File > Open, select the XLSM file, and note the repair prompt or report.
- 3. Inspect and remove external links: Go to the Data tab and click Edit Links to review or break broken workbook connections.
- 4. Check named ranges and macros: Open Formulas > Name Manager and Developer > Macros to locate and delete damaged names or test macros.
- 5. Save a clean repaired copy: Use File > Save As, choose Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) if macros are needed, or .xlsx if they are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does WPS Office keep showing an Excel content problem message every time I open the same XLSM file?
Repeated repair messages usually mean a specific workbook component is still damaged or incompatible. Open the repair report first, then check Data > Edit Links, Formulas > Name Manager, and Developer > Macros to locate the remaining issue.
Can WPS Office repair an XLSM workbook that contains macros and Power Query queries?
Yes. WPS Office Spreadsheet can open Excel .xlsm files and help you inspect macros, rebuild Power Query queries, and save the repaired workbook as .xlsm to retain macros.
How do I remove external references that may be causing repair errors?
Open the workbook in WPS Office Spreadsheet, go to Data > Edit Links or Connections, select each external workbook link, and choose Break Link or Remove. Also check Formulas > Name Manager for invalid references.
Should I save the repaired Excel file as .xlsx or .xlsm?
Save as .xlsm if you still need macros. If you have removed all macros or do not use them, save as .xlsx to create a smaller, simpler workbook with fewer security prompts.
What should I do if the pivot table or Power Query query is the damaged part?
Do not keep repairing the same object. Rebuild it in a new workbook: import or recreate the query from Data, then re-create the pivot table with Insert > PivotTable and test the result.
