6 Easy Ways to Fix OLE Error 800a03ec Excel!

The OLE error 800a03ec usually occurs when Excel software encounters issues with OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) features. This error can arise during automation tasks, opening files, or running macros. In this blog, I will discuss why OLE error 800a03ec Excel occurs and how to fix it with the best methods.

Here’s the screenshot of the error:

What Causes OLE Error 800a03ec in MS Excel?

Before proceeding with fixes, it is important to understand the major factors for the error:

1. Corrupted Excel files.
2. Due to virus/malware infection.
3. Corruption in the registry of Windows from a modern Microsoft Excel-related tool.
4. Problematic add-ins often disrupt Excel operations.
5. Running an outdated software.
6. Faulty macros can be culprits.

How to Fix OLE Error 800a03ec Excel?

Here are the following fixes that you all must try to fix OLE error 800a03ec Excel.

Solution 1: Conduct a Full Malware Scan

It is found that due to the malware infection, the Excel file gets corrupted and starts showing errors. So, here it is recommended to conduct a full malware scan.

You can make use of the Virus Removal Tool, to scan and make the system virus-free.

Solution 2: Disable the Add-ins

Disabling the faulty Excel add-ins helped them to fix this error message. Therefore, why don’t you try this? Here’s how you can do so:

• Open the Excel >> Go to a File 
• Then, click on the Options>> Add-ins.
• After this, choose the Excel add-ins >> click Go button.

• Now, uncheck all the boxes >> hit OK.

Also Read: Fix “Excel Is Waiting For Another Application to Complete An OLE Action” Error

Solution 3: Run SFC/Scannow

In many cases, the corrupted Windows system files cause the error. So try to run the SFC scan to restore the corruption of Window system files.

Follow the steps to do so:

• Press Win + X keys > choose Command Prompt (Admin)

• And as Command Prompt opens > enter sfc /scannow > press Enter.
• Wait for the whole action to complete (Approx. 15 min.)

Solution 4: Fix OLE Error 800a03ec Excel by Update Software

As already mentioned in the causes section, running an outdated version of Excel software can also lead to this OLE error. Therefore, ensure to update the Excel to the latest version:

• Go to File then click on Account.
• Next, click on the Update Options >> Update Now.

Solution 5: Perform Open And Repair

Try to make use of the inbuilt Open and Repair utility to repair the corrupted Excel file. To make use it follows the below-given steps:

Follow the given instruction:

• Click on Open > and select the corrupted Excel file from the list.
• Next from the“Open” tab > select “Open and Repair”.

• And click on the Repair button to repair Excel files.

Now check whether the Excel error 0x800A03EC is fixed or not. if not then try to extract data

• Click on Open > select the corrupt file.
• And from the list of Open tab > select Open and Repair Option.
• Next, click the Extract button to extract data from a corrupt file.

Go With The Recommended Excel Repair Tool

If you are still not able to fix the error using all the above-mentioned methods, then the most recommended solution for you will be to make use of the MS Excel Repair Tool. This file is highly competent to repair your corrupt or damaged file.

This is capable of restoring and repairing corrupt Excel files. The entire data including charts, worksheet properties, cell comments, and other data is recovered in the preferred location.

Try Now       Buy Now

* Free version of the product only previews recoverable data.

Steps to Utilize MS Excel Repair Tool:

Related FAQs:

How to Fix an Ole Error in Excel?

To fix an OLE error in Microsoft Excel, follow the below steps:

• Open the Excel file.
• Click File menu >> Options.
• Under Excel Options, go to Advanced tab then scroll down to find the General area.
• Check the option ‘Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)’.
• Now, restart Excel.

How Do I Remove OLE Link in Excel?

You can remove OLE link in Excel by following these steps:

• Open Excel >> go to Data tab.
• Under the Connections group, you have to click Edit Links.
• Under Source list, click on a link you want to break.
• Now, click Break Link.

Also Read: Fix STDOLE32.TLB Error When Opening Excel!

Wrapping Up

Navigating OLE error 800a03ec Excel 2016/2019 can be challenging, but by trying the solutions specified in this blog, you can overcome this situation. Above, I have covered the potential methods to solve this problem for a smoother Excel experience.

Additionally, Excel is a very crucial file so, it is important to handle it carefully and follow the best preventive methods to avoid Excel file corruption.