Fix "Windows Cannot Find Target" Error When Opening Excel 2016
Question details
The user is experiencing an error message stating "Windows cannot find the target" when attempting to launch Excel 2016, sometimes accompanied by temporary or corrupted workbooks loading first.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Launching Microsoft Excel 2016 via a desktop shortcut or directly opening a saved workbook.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a "Windows cannot find the target" prompt and occasionally opens temporary or corrupted-looking files before loading the intended spreadsheet.
Before proceeding, ensure your Windows operating system is fully updated, and verify that you have administrative privileges to modify Microsoft Office installation files.
Run the Microsoft Office Online Repair Tool
Using the built-in Office repair tool is the most effective method for fixing missing or corrupted program files that cause launch errors.
Microsoft Office includes a built-in diagnostic and repair tool designed to fix application errors without requiring a complete reinstallation. A Quick Repair fixes most minor issues locally, while an Online Repair redownloads missing files to comprehensively fix severe corruption.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', and press Enter. Navigate to 'Programs' and select 'Programs and Features'.
Scroll through the list of installed applications, find your Microsoft Office 2016 installation, and click on it to highlight it.
Click the 'Change' button at the top of the program list. When the user account control prompt appears, click 'Yes'.
Choose 'Online Repair' from the dialog box (this is more thorough than Quick Repair) and click 'Repair'. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your computer once finished.
Open Excel in Safe Mode and Disable Add-ins
Launching Excel in Safe Mode helps determine if faulty third-party add-ins or corrupted startup files are triggering the target error.
Recreate the Excel Desktop Shortcut
If the error occurs exclusively when launching Excel from a desktop or taskbar shortcut, the shortcut path itself may be corrupted.
Switch to WPS Office for a Reliable Spreadsheet Experience
If Microsoft Excel 2016 continues to experience corrupted file launches or shortcut errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, modern, and free alternative without the complex installation errors common in older Office versions.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Download WPS Office Free' button to get the latest version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite on your computer.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and instantly open your existing Excel workbooks with flawless formatting and zero launch errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel 2016 open temporary files before the actual workbook?
This usually happens if Excel's startup folder (XLSTART) contains corrupted temporary files or if a problematic add-in intercepts the launch process. Clearing the XLSTART folder or disabling add-ins can often resolve this unexpected behavior.
Where is the XLSTART folder located in Windows?
By default, the XLSTART folder is typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART. Any files placed in this folder will load automatically when Excel starts, which can trigger errors if those files are corrupted.
Will repairing Office 2016 delete my Excel files or customized settings?
No, running a Quick Repair or Online Repair from the Windows Control Panel only reinstalls or fixes the core program files. Your personal spreadsheets, macros, customized templates, and data remain safe and untouched on your hard drive.
