How to Fix | The file is corrupt and cannot be opened | Excel 2016, 2013

Error message 'the file is corrupted and cannot be opened' usually pops up when people trying to open an old version Office file that created in a new version version, for example, open an file created in Excel 2013, 2010, 2007 or earlier in Excel 2016 or open an file created in Word 2007 or earlier in Word 2013. 

Solution: Changing the Protected View Settings

First, click on the file select properties

If you see “This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer”

Check “Unblock” and “ Apply”

Next

1. Open Excel 2016. Click on File > Options.

2. On the side tab click on Trust Center > click on Trust Center Settings which is in the right window.

3. It opens a new window Trust Center.

4. Click on Protected View on the left side panel

5. Uncheck all the three options:

• Enable Protected View for files originating from the Internet.
• Enable Protected View for files located in potentially unsafe locations.
• Enable Protected View for Outlook attachments.
• Click Ok and Ok again.

Restart Excel and try to open the broken Excel documents.

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