Office files taking forever to open

[Johny Bravo]

Hi there

I am running Windows XP Pro with SP2. Office 2003 with SP3.
The problem I have is that when I opening any office doc (Excel or Word) it
take extremely long to open (1 minute).
If I open excel first then go to the same files via file> open it comes up
within a second.
Any ideas?

PS: I trashed all temp files & OLK's.

 

[Bob I]

If the problem is ONLY when you double-click on a file to open it. the
problem is likely due to DDE. It can be fixed by reinstalling, OR this
workaround.

Go to Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types, scroll down to and
select (DOC for Word files) or XLS (for Excel files), click Advanced,
select Open entry, click the edit Button.
Now uncheck "Use DDE" and then put your cursor in the Application box,
arrow all the way to the right and put in "%1" (include the quote
marks), IF there is /dde remove it. Then OK you way out. Things should
work quickly again.

 

[John Hanley]

I also have this problem. I am using Vista. When I go to Control Panel,
Folder Options, there is no tab for "File Types". I have read that Vista
did away the "File Tyes" tab in Folder Options, and also does not use "DDE".
Any thoughts on how to do your workaround in Vista? Thanks.

 

[Bob Buckland ?:-\)]

Hi John,

In the Vista control panel try the Programs=>'Default Programs' choices to modify a file association.
============
I also have this problem. I am using Vista. When I go to Control Panel,
Folder Options, there is no tab for "File Types". I have read that Vista
did away the "File Tyes" tab in Folder Options, and also does not use "DDE".
Any thoughts on how to do your workaround in Vista? Thanks. >>
--

Bob Buckland ?
MS Office System Products MVP

*Courtesy is not expensive and can pay big dividends*

 

[John Hanley]

Yes, I found that. However, there is no Advanced button or Edit button, or
Application box to do the rest of your workaround; is there a way to do your
workaround in Vista?

"Go to Control Panel, Folder Options, File Types, scroll down to and
select (DOC for Word files) or XLS (for Excel files), click Advanced,
select Open entry, click the edit Button.
Now uncheck "Use DDE" and then put your cursor in the Application box,
arrow all the way to the right and put in "%1" (include the quote
marks), IF there is /dde remove it. Then OK you way out. Things should
work quickly again."

 

[Bob I]

Sorry, I don't have access to a copy of Vista. Perhaps asking in the
Vista group about the "file associations" would get you the info.

 

[Fuel451]

Bob,

I've run across this issue in the past in our corporate environment and the
resolution is always successful. I've noticed that the setting defaults back
to the original setting either randomly or possibly when a new Microsoft
patch or update comes down from the mother-ship. This has occurred on at
least two systems.

Have you run across any reoccurring issues with this spcific problem after
modifying the DDE setting?

 

[Bob I]

I have had it revert to the original DDE setting on it's own, perhaps a
later Detect and Repair did that. As to the "slow" problem returning, no
I haven't seen that return when the DDE goes back to the original, or
have I had any other issues arise from doing that. As to it "ever"
coming back on the PC, I suspect some software install routine caused
some redirection of the DDE, and thats what causes the problem. And
without knowing what did it, well it's only a giuess. The "original"
"remove DDE" work around came from a KB article for Word/Excel 2000 some
years ago, and I tried it myself on 2003 to resolve this issue and it
worked. So i have been posting it ever since.

 

[daddy_dandy]

I'm running into issues with Excel 07 using Word's 07 "Paste Special" menu.
I can't get Excel to function properly again.

Andrew

 

[Bob I]

Your issue has nothing to do with with what is being discussed in this
thread, try a reinstall.

 

[daddy_dandy]

Actually my issue has everything to do with what is being discussed in this
thread.

I was having the Exact same problem. I did the DDE workaround and now I am
having this problem.

Please advise.

Andrew

 

[Bob I]

The issue I offered the workaround for was and I quote,

"I am running Windows XP Pro with SP2. Office 2003 with SP3.
The problem I have is that when I opening any office doc (Excel or Word)
it take extremely long to open (1 minute).
If I open excel first then go to the same files via file> open it comes
up within a second."

I can't vouch for Office 2007, or Vista.