FIX: “Cannot be accessed. The file may be corrupted” Excel

You can also try a third-party file repair tool

2 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The error messageCannot be accessed the file may be corruptederrorin Microsoft Excel will prevent you from accessing your sheets.

This can be a big problem, especially if you’re working on an important project, but today we’ll show you how to fix this issue once and for all.

How can I fix Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted Excel error?

1. Modify your registry

Note:Bear in mind that this path might be slightly different depending on the version ofOfficeyou’re using.

2. Make sure that you’re using the 64-bit version of Office

If you’re gettingCannot be accessed the file may be corruptederror, perhaps you’re using a 32-bit version ofOfficeon a 64-bit version of Windows.

This can sometimes be a problem, therefore we advise you to reinstallOfficeand make sure to install the 64-bit version on a 64-bit system.

In addition, make sure that your version ofOfficeis up to date.

3. Check the filename of the Excel file

Apparently, the length of the file can causeCannot be accessed the file may be corruptederrorto appear.

It seems that this issue appears when your .xls or .xlsx file name exceeds 17 characters. To fix this issue, be sure to rename the file that is giving you thiserrorand give it a shorter name.

Cannot be accessed the file may be corruptedExcelerrorcan be problematic, but you should be able to fix it by modifying your registry or by renaming the problematic file.

If you found our article useful, let us know in the comments section below.

FIX: “Cannot be accessed. The file may be corrupted” Excel#

How can I fix Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted Excel error?#

1. Modify your registry#

2. Make sure that you’re using the 64-bit version of Office#

3. Check the filename of the Excel file#

FIX: “Cannot be accessed. The file may be corrupted” Excel

How can I fix Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted Excel error?

1. Modify your registry

2. Make sure that you’re using the 64-bit version of Office

3. Check the filename of the Excel file