After uninstalling WPS Office from a Windows 7 system, many users have reported encountering an issue where Microsoft Excel is unable to open any files. This problem can be quite frustrating, especially for those who rely heavily on Excel for their daily tasks. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide a step-by-step guide to resolving it.
Understanding the Problem
When WPS Office is uninstalled, it is common for remnants of the software to remain on the system. These remnants can interfere with other applications, such as Microsoft Excel, leading to the inability to open files. Additionally, there might be conflicts with system settings or other installed software that could cause Excel to malfunction after the uninstallation of WPS Office.
Step 1: Check for File Associations
The first step in resolving the issue is to ensure that Excel is still set as the default program for opening Excel files. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on an Excel file.
2. Select Open with from the context menu.
3. If Excel is not listed, click on Choose another app and then select Excel from the list of installed programs.
4. Check the box that says Always use this app to open .xlsx files and click OK.\
Step 2: Run a System File Checker
A corrupted system file can also cause Excel to fail to open files after the uninstallation of WPS Office. To check for and repair any corrupted system files, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and type cmd in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.\
3. In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the system file checker will attempt to repair them.
Step 3: Check for Conflicting Software
Certain third-party applications can interfere with Excel's functionality. To check for conflicting software, follow these steps:
1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.\
2. Look for any recently installed or updated software that could potentially conflict with Excel.
3. Uninstall any suspicious software and restart your computer to see if the issue persists.
Step 4: Update Excel
Outdated versions of Excel can lead to compatibility issues. To ensure that you have the latest updates, follow these steps:
1. Open Excel and click on File > Office Account.\
2. Under Updates, click on Update Options and select Update Now.\
3. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
Step 5: Check for Missing or Corrupted Excel Files
Missing or corrupted Excel files can prevent the application from opening files. To check for these issues, follow these steps:
1. Open Excel and click on File > Options.\
2. Go to the Advanced tab and scroll down to the General section.
3. Look for any missing or corrupted files listed under When creating a new workbook.\
4. If any files are listed, try to locate and repair or replace them.
Step 6: Reset Excel Settings
Resetting Excel to its default settings can sometimes resolve issues caused by changes made to the application's configuration. To reset Excel settings, follow these steps:
1. Open Excel and click on File > Options.\
2. Go to the Advanced tab and scroll down to the Reset All Settings section.
3. Click on Reset and confirm the action when prompted.
Conclusion
After following the steps outlined in this article, most users should be able to resolve the issue of Excel not opening files after the uninstallation of WPS Office on Windows 7. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or a professional technician.
