Error in opening Microsoft Products like Words, Power Point and Excel

When you encounter errors while trying to open Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, it could be due to several reasons. Here are some common symptoms and causes:

Symptoms

You might see error messages such as:

• "Filename is not valid."
• "The file could not be accessed."
• "The path you entered is too long."
• "Could not be found. Check the spelling of the filename."
• A DDE error has occurred.

Possible Causes

1. Character Limit: Each Office program has a character limit for file paths. For example:
   • Word, PowerPoint, Access: Path and filename must not exceed 259 characters.
   • Excel: Path and filename must not exceed 218 characters.
2. File Location: Issues can arise if you are trying to open files from a mapped drive, UNC path, or URL.
3. Disk Space: Running low on disk space can also prevent files from opening or saving properly.

Workarounds

• Reduce the Character Count: Try renaming the file or moving it to a folder with a shorter path.
• Check Disk Space: Use the Disk Cleanup tool to free up space on your hard drive.
• Repair the File: Use the "Open and Repair" option in Word or Excel to attempt to fix the file.

If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the Office suite or checking for updates to ensure compatibility with your operating system.

Hello, thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.

Could you please share the exact error message you receive when you try to open the Office applications?

Meanwhile, have you tried repairing the Office apps and see if it helps?

1. Quit all Office applications.
2. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Locate Microsoft Office in the lists, click the three ellipses icon, and select Modify.
4. Select Online Repair.