File Cannot Open

Fix Excel Files Failing to Open from USB Drive on One Computer

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to troubleshoot why specific Excel files and JPEG images on a USB drive fail to open on one computer, despite other files working fine and the problematic files opening successfully on different devices.

How to Fix Some Excel Files Failing to Open on the Same Computer

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open specific files from an external USB drive.
Observed behavior: Some files refuse to open on the user's primary computer but open normally on other computers. Other files on the same USB drive open without issue.

Before you start

Before proceeding, try copying the problematic Excel files and images from the USB drive directly to your computer's local storage (such as the Desktop) to rule out connection issues.

Solution 1Recommended

Open Files Locally and Use Excel's Open Command

Bypassing the USB drive's direct connection and utilizing Excel's internal open dialogue can resolve temporary read errors and permission restrictions.

Opening files directly from a USB drive can sometimes trigger Windows security blocks or result in read failures if the USB connection is unstable.

Copy the file to your computer

Drag and drop the affected Excel file from your USB drive to your local Desktop or Documents folder.

Open Microsoft Excel

Launch the Excel application from your Start menu before clicking on the file itself.

Use the Open command

Navigate to File > Open, click on 'Browse', and locate the file you just copied to your local drive to open it.

Open Files Locally and Use Excel's Open Command

Tip: Always safely eject your USB drive after use to prevent future file corruption.

Solution 2

Repair the Excel File or Resave from Another PC

If the file has minor corruptions, Excel's built-in repair tool or resaving it from a working computer can restore access.

Solution 3

Check Protected View Settings and Scan the USB Drive

Strict security settings or underlying USB drive errors can block specific files from opening safely.

Open and Recover Excel Files Easily with WPS Office

If your Excel files are failing to open due to Microsoft Office settings or software glitches, you can use WPS Spreadsheet to access your data. It provides excellent compatibility with all Excel file formats and often opens files that other programs block.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the official website.
2. Locate Your File: Find the stubborn Excel file on your USB drive or local computer.
3. Open with WPS: Right-click the file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Spreadsheet to view your data.
4. Save as New File: Go to Menu > Save As to create a fresh, error-free copy of the spreadsheet.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csvLightweight design allows quick opening of large or complex filesBypasses restrictive Microsoft Office Protected View errors smoothlyFree, user-friendly alternative for all your daily spreadsheet tasks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some files open on my USB drive while others do not?

This can happen if specific sectors of the USB drive are damaged (bad sectors), causing only the files stored in those locations to fail. It can also be caused by individual file corruption or restrictive security settings applied to specific file types.

How do I fix the 'file is corrupted and cannot be opened' error in Excel?

Open Microsoft Excel first, go to File > Open, and locate the corrupted file. Instead of clicking 'Open' directly, click the small arrow next to the button and choose 'Open and Repair' to let Excel attempt to fix the internal structure.

Can overactive antivirus software prevent my files from opening?

Yes, sometimes antivirus software may block certain files from external drives if they falsely flag them as threats. You can temporarily disable your antivirus for testing, but always re-enable it immediately after checking to keep your system secure.

Document & File Issues