Why do I see Excel cannot open the file because the file format or file extension is not valid

paulblinderman · ‎July 11, 2024

Rasa-LilaM

I'm here to ensure you can open the Excel file seamlessly, Paul. Let me provide the troubleshooting steps to get past the error.

In addition to Deity Alpha's answer, ensure the file extension matches the file format. An Excel file should have an extension like .xlsx or .xls.

Aside from that, use the Excel built-in repair tool to fix corrupted files by following these steps:

In Excel, go to File and select Open.
Browse to the file location and select the file.
Click the arrow next to the Open button.
Select Open and Repair.

Next, export the report again. If you still get the same result, change group permissions for the file. Here's how:

Right-click on the file and select Properties.
Go to the Security tab and click Edit.
Add Everyone and give full control permissions.
Click Apply and OK.

For additional information about exporting reports and steps to view the full details of statements, click the following link: Export your reports to Excel from QuickBooks Online.

In case you'll have to import your contact fields, and customers' information, as well as tailor the data of your reports in the future, open each link below for detailed instructions:

Feel free to visit the Community again if you have other QuickBooks-related concerns or additional questions about exporting or importing data via Excel. We're here to make sure everything is taken care of for you.

View solution in original post

Deity Alpha

What file format do you mean?

paulblinderman

I'm exporting an .xlsx file out of a report the same as I've done before without one hitch ever.

ALERT

Excel cannot open the file 'MAINT.xlsx' because the file format or file extension is not valid. Verify that the file has not been corrupted and that the file extension matches the format of the file

paulblinderman

Much appreciated!

Rasa-LilaM

I'm here to ensure you can open the Excel file seamlessly, Paul. Let me provide the troubleshooting steps to get past the error.

In addition to Deity Alpha's answer, ensure the file extension matches the file format. An Excel file should have an extension like .xlsx or .xls.

Aside from that, use the Excel built-in repair tool to fix corrupted files by following these steps:

In Excel, go to File and select Open.
Browse to the file location and select the file.
Click the arrow next to the Open button.
Select Open and Repair.

Next, export the report again. If you still get the same result, change group permissions for the file. Here's how:

Right-click on the file and select Properties.
Go to the Security tab and click Edit.
Add Everyone and give full control permissions.
Click Apply and OK.

For additional information about exporting reports and steps to view the full details of statements, click the following link: Export your reports to Excel from QuickBooks Online.

In case you'll have to import your contact fields, and customers' information, as well as tailor the data of your reports in the future, open each link below for detailed instructions:

Feel free to visit the Community again if you have other QuickBooks-related concerns or additional questions about exporting or importing data via Excel. We're here to make sure everything is taken care of for you.

paulblinderman

It's exporting out of QBO as an excel file (.xlsx) to my desktop. From there, when I launch that file with Excel I get that error message

paulblinderman

wow, thanks. where is this?

Repair the file with Excel’s inbuilt repair tool.

Ethel_A

I'll gladly share additional information about repairing a Microsoft Excel file, Paul.

The method for accessing the repair tool differs based on your operating system.

If you are using Windows 10, follow these steps:

Right-click the Start button in the lower-left corner and choose Apps and Features from the pop-up menu.
Choose the Microsoft Office product that requires repair and then choose the option to Modify.
If you have an Office Click-to-run installation or an MSI-based one, you will be presented with different options to initiate the repair process. Just follow the instructions that correspond to your specific installation type.
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the repair.

For Windows 11, here's how:

Right-click the Start button (lower-left corner) and choose the Installed apps option from the menu that appears.
Choose the Microsoft Office product that you wish to repair, then click on the three dots and select Modify.
Depending on the type of Office installation you have (Click-to-run or MSI-based), you will be presented with different options for proceeding with the repair. Please follow the specific steps for your installation type.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair.

Also, my colleague has updated her answer with the detailed steps.

Additionally, here is an article you can read to help you in exporting lists and other data: Export reports, lists, and other data from QuickBooks Online.

Feel free to click the Reply button below if you have questions about exporting data in QuickBooks Online. I'm always here to help. Have a great day.

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Why do I see Excel cannot open the file because the file format or file extension is not valid