Fix Excel 2013 File Format and Extension Do Not Match Error (KB5002242)
Question details
Users encounter a file format and extension mismatch error when opening XLSX files from network shares or DFS locations in Excel 2013.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2013
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to open XLSX files stored on network shares with long paths or DFS locations after installing the KB5002242 update.
- Observed behavior
- Excel incorrectly reports that the XLSX file format and extension do not match, preventing the document from opening normally.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer to install Windows updates, and temporarily save any critical open workbooks locally.
Install the Excel 2013 KB5002268 Update
Applying the September 2022 update for Excel 2013 resolves the known file format and extension mismatch bug introduced by earlier updates.
Microsoft identified this file mismatch issue as a known bug associated with update KB5002242. It primarily affects files hosted on network shares with long file paths or Distributed File System (DFS) locations. The official fix is bundled within the KB5002268 patch released on September 6, 2022.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Type 'KB5002268' in the search bar to locate the specific September 2022 update for Microsoft Excel 2013.
Locate the update version that matches your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and click the 'Download' button.
Run the downloaded executable file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
Restart your computer to apply the changes, then attempt to open your network-stored XLSX files again.
Avoid Excel Update Bugs with WPS Office
Tired of troubleshooting unexpected network errors after Office updates? WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that seamlessly handles XLSX files without the network path limitations found in older Excel versions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the quick setup wizard to install WPS Spreadsheets on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Network Files: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, click 'Open', and browse to your network share to seamlessly open your XLSX files without mismatch errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel say the file format and extension don't match?
This error usually occurs when the actual format of the file differs from what its extension suggests, or due to an explicit software bug like the one introduced in Excel 2013 update KB5002242 when accessing files on long network paths.
What is a DFS location and why does it affect my Excel files?
DFS (Distributed File System) is a Windows Server feature that simplifies accessing files across multiple servers. A specific parsing bug in older Excel versions prevented the software from properly verifying file extensions hosted on complex DFS paths.
How can I check if I have the problematic KB5002242 update installed?
Go to the Windows Control Panel, select 'Programs and Features', click 'View installed updates' on the left navigation panel, and search for 'KB5002242' using the search box in the top right corner.
Can I bypass this error without updating Excel?
As a temporary workaround, you can copy the affected XLSX file from the network share to your local hard drive (such as your Desktop) and open it from there, as the bug primarily targets remote network paths.
