Fixing Cannot Insert Object in Excel Error!

Have you ever been stuck with this “Microsoft Excel: Cannot insert object.” error meanwhile attempting to incorporate an external object into the spreadsheet? Do you have any idea why it’s occurring or how to resolve it? If not, then don’t fret, you are on the correct webpage. All you need to do is follow this comprehensive guide to understand the causes and solutions for cannot insert object in Excel.

cannot insert object in Excel

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Why Is It Showing “Cannot Insert Object” In Excel?

Well, this error message occurs when using ActiveX control or OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) to add PDFs or other Microsoft documents from the external apps to the worksheet. However, it appears due to various reasons including:

  1. Corrupted Excel document.
  2. Incorrect Macro Settings.
  3. The object itself is damaged (inserted into the spreadsheet).
  4. Incompatible file format or Add-ins.
  5. Due to limitations of object size limitations.
  6. Insufficient system memory.
  7. Security Settings issues.

What Are The Circumstances Under Which Cannot Insert Object In Excel Issue Occurs?

After installing the security update mentioned in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS14-082, Excel users may face one of the below-mentioned symptoms.

Symptom 1

While inserting a Forms ActiveX control within a Microsoft Office document,

Or while you are trying to edit the control’s property. You may get the following error messages in an ActiveX custom Office solution:

  • Visio cannot insert this control because its TypeInfo did not merge correctly. Ensure all parameter types are VBA friendly. Delete TEMP *.exd file if necessary.
  • Object library invalid or contains references to object definitions that could not be found.
  • Cannot insert the object.
  • The program used to create this object is Forms. That program is either not installed on your computer or it is not responding. To edit this object, install Forms or ensure that any dialog boxes in Forms are closed.

Note: in the above last error message, the text Forms can be replaced with GUID of control.

Symptom 2

If you are using the Office, Click-to-Run to install Office 2013 on your PC that has a Side-by-Side installation of the Office 2010 OR 2007 suite. at that time also you may encounter the same errors which are mentioned above in the “Symptom 1” section.

Symptom 3

After saving up your Microsoft Excel workbook which contains ActiveX control on a PC having MS14-082 installed. In that case, Excel macro won’t work properly that doesn’t have MS14-082 installed.

Symptom 4

When the recent office update contains broken ActiveX controls on Excel worksheets. At that time also the following symptoms will appear:

  • Unable to change or use properties of any Active controls on Excel worksheets
  • Excel Error messages “Can’t insert object”
  • Error 438 when referring to an ActiveX control like a member of an Excel worksheet in code.

How to Fix “Cannot Insert Object” Error In Excel?

Resolution 1

For fixing up cannot insert object in Excel or the issue mentioned in the above symptoms. you need to install the following updates on the affected PC for the entire version of the Office that you have already installed.

It’s important to install updates for the entire office version you have installed to acquire the complete result of the fix. In case you are using the combination of Office MSI-installed products and Office 2013 C2R-installed. Then in that case you have to update all products simultaneously.

Resolution 2

  • At first close all the Office applications.
  • In the Window, explorer makes a search for *.exd files including the hidden and system folders and files. Once you get all those files and folders, delete them off.

Make sure that you will get the following after making search:

C:\users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\Excel8.0\MSForms.exd
C:\users\username\AppData\Local\Temp\VBE\MSForms.exd

  • Now reboot your PC
  • After then restart your Office applications and check the controls whether it’s working properly or not.

Note:

Whenever you use the Excel workbook with active control this will recreate the .exd files again. So, it’s not that big issue just delete it again if you find Cannot Insert Object In Excel error again.

Hopefully, that will resolve the problem for you.

Remarks:

If you are facing difficulty to get these .exd files, then press Win+R for opening up the Run box. After then type %temp% in the box and then press the Enter button. This will open the Temp folder location and here you make a search for .exd files in the VBE and  Excel 8.0.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Can't I Add an Object in Excel?

It might be possible that you are trying to insert the corrupted object in the Excel spreadsheet.

How to Find All Embedded Objects in Excel?

You have the option to find and choose all embedded objects in Excel worksheet by using the feature of Go To Special. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

  • Open the worksheet in which you have to find all your embedded objects.
  • Hit the F5 key this will open the Go To dialog box.
  • In the opened window tap the special button.
  • Within the dialog box of Go To Special, you need to choose the objects option.
  • After that hit the ok button. Now you will see that all the embedded objects start appearing in your active worksheet.

What Is the Shortcut Key for Insert Object in Excel?

‘Alt’ and ‘N’ is the keyboard shortcut for insert object in Excel.

How Do I Enable Activex Control in Excel?

To enable Activex Control in MS Excel, follow these steps.

  • Navigate to File > Options.
  • Click on the Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > ActiveX Settings option.
  • Click the options that you want, and then click OK.

Final Thoughts

Excel cannot insert object error is a common hiccup that many users face. Nevertheless, by applying the methods outlined in this post, you can troubleshoot this annoying message and use it seamlessly in Excel. Moreover, for further queries, ask us on our Facebook and Twitter.



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.