How to Fix Cannot Open Specified File Error in Excel Like a Pro?

Excel users often come across the “Cannot open the specified file” error when trying to access a hyperlink in the spreadsheet. This message typically occurs due to various factors, including incorrect file paths, broken hyperlinks, or system restrictions. Regardless of the reasons, this error can be easily solved with some quick fixes.

Here, you will learn every aspect of cannot open specified file error in Excel along with the best fixes to overcome it easily.

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Why Excel Cannot Open a Specific File?

Several culprits can cause this message. Some of the common causes are listed below:

Incorrect File Path or URL
File Location Has Changed
External Drive or Network Issues
Unsupported File Type
Security Settings in Excel

How to Solve Cannot Open Specified File Error in Excel?

Let’s start following the techniques below to solve this error.

Fix 1- Check the Hyperlink Path

The incorrect hyperlink path is the major factor for this error. Therefore, it is important to ensure the path is correct.

Right-click on the hyperlink.
Choose Edit Hyperlink.

Copy the link & paste it into the File Explorer or your browser.
Make corrections if needed.

Fix 2- Check Macros Settings to Solve Cannot Open Specified File Error in Excel

Another working method you can try is to check the macro settings and ensure they’re correct.

To check this, follow the steps below:

Navigate to File >> Options >> Trust Center.
Next, click on the Trust Center Settings.
Now, click the Macro Settings.
After this, select an option “Enable all macros” checkbox.

Finally, check the Trusted Locations and add a folder holding your file if it isn’t listed.

Also Read: Fix ‘Excel Cannot Open the File Because the File Format or File Extension Is Not Valid’ Error!

Fix 3- Recreate the Hyperlink

Many users have reported in the forum sites that re-adding the hyperlink solves Excel hyperlink cannot open the specified file same workbook error.

For this, follow the instructions below carefully:

Open the spreadsheet.
Right-click on the cell.
Choose the Remove Hyperlink.

Insert a hyperlink again using an Insert > Link

Fix 4- Unblock the Excel File

Sometimes, Excel files downloaded from the internet may be blocked, thus causing this error.

To unblock the file:

Go to the file location.
Then, right-click the file.
Click on the Properties.
Now, you have to check the Unblock option at the bottom >> click Apply.

Fix 5- Fix the Corrupted Workbook

As already said, corruption in the XLS/XLSX workbook is another foremost reason for not opening the specified file. You can easily repair your corrupt Excel file by using the Open and Repair tool.

Here’s how you can utilize this tool:

Open the Excel >> click File > Open.
Go to the location that contains the corrupted file.
Now, under an Open dialog box, select a corrupted workbook.
Finally, click the arrow next to an Open button, then Open and Repair.

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Fix 6- Repair MS Excel Installation

Last but not least, if the MS Excel installation gets corrupted, it may behave unexpectedly.

To repair this:

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.

Choose the Microsoft Office.
Finally, click Change option, then choose Quick Repair >> Repair.

And you’re done!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is the Hyperlink Function in Excel?

The HYPERLINK function in MS Excel creates a shortcut that redirects to another location in a current workbook or opens a document on the Internet.

Why Is My Hyperlink Not Opening?

Most likely, hyperlinks are not opening due to a broken or incorrect link, security settings, or file corruption.

How Do I Open All Links in Excel?

To open all links in Excel, follow the steps below:

Select the range of cell(s) containing the hyperlinks.
Copy a selection (Ctrl + C).
Open the text editor (like Notepad) & paste the links (Ctrl + V).
Save the file.
Then, open the text file & select all the URLs.

Why Am I Unable to Open Certain Links?

You might be unable to open certain links due to a mistyped URL or the webpage no longer being online.

Also Read: Excel “We Can’t Update Some of The Links in Your Workbook” Error!

Closure

Experiencing errors while trying to access hyperlinks in an Excel spreadsheet is quite common. But with patience & the right solution, you can simply fix them.

Similarly, by following the approaches for how to fix cannot open specified file error in Excel outlined in this post, you will be equipped to solve it more efficiently.

Thanks for reading!

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Priyanka Sahu

Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.