How to Fix Malwarebytes Causing Excel Files to Open as Read-Only or Corrupt
Question details
Users need a solution for Excel workbooks that are forced into read-only mode, appear locked, or become corrupted due to third-party security software.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel, Malwarebytes Premium
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening, editing, or saving Excel workbooks while Malwarebytes Premium Exploit Protection is running.
- Observed behavior
- Excel workbooks unexpectedly appear locked, open exclusively as read-only, or become completely corrupted and unreadable.
Ensure you have administrator privileges on your computer to modify your antivirus settings or install necessary software updates.
Update Malwarebytes Premium to the Latest Version
Installing the official patch (version 4.5.11.202 or later) permanently resolves the Excel file corruption bug.
The issue was identified as a specific bug in Malwarebytes Premium version 4.5.9.198, where its Exploit Protection feature conflicted with Excel's Macro 4.0 Abuse Prevention. Updating the software applies the official fix from the developer.
Launch the Malwarebytes Premium application on your computer and click on the Settings gear icon.
Navigate to the General tab and click on the 'Check for updates' button.
Allow the application to download and install version 4.5.11.202 or newer. Once installed, restart your computer if prompted, and try opening your Excel files again.
Temporarily Disable Excel Macro 4.0 Abuse Prevention
Use this workaround to prevent file corruption if you are unable to update Malwarebytes immediately.
Troubleshoot Excel Add-ins
Check for rogue scripts or add-ins if your Excel files remain read-only after resolving the Malwarebytes conflict.
Switch to WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Experience
If Microsoft Excel continues to experience frustrating conflicts with your security software, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that opens your Excel spreadsheets flawlessly without triggering false security alarms.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Run the installer, open the WPS Office suite, and select WPS Spreadsheet.
- 3. Open Your Excel File: Click 'Open' and select your existing .xlsx file to view and edit it without any read-only or corruption errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Malwarebytes corrupt my Excel files?
Version 4.5.9.198 of Malwarebytes Premium introduced a bug where its Exploit Protection engine directly conflicted with Excel's Macro 4.0 Abuse Prevention feature. This clash causes Excel files to lock, become read-only, or suffer data corruption during the save process.
How can I recover an Excel file that was corrupted by this issue?
You can try using Excel's built-in repair tool. Open Excel, go to File > Open, and select your corrupted file. Instead of clicking the 'Open' button directly, click the small arrow next to it and select 'Open and Repair' to recover your data.
Do I need to keep Excel Macro 4.0 Abuse Prevention disabled permanently?
No, disabling the feature is only a temporary workaround. Once you update Malwarebytes to version 4.5.11.202 or newer, the underlying bug is fixed, and you can safely re-enable the Abuse Prevention setting to maintain your computer's security.
Will restoring my computer to a previous date fix the Excel read-only issue?
Using System Restore to roll your computer back to a point before the Malwarebytes update was installed may temporarily fix the issue. However, simply updating Malwarebytes to the latest patched version is much faster and safer.
