Very strange to open two files

[Scott]

I am using Mac Office 2008 v 12.2.1. When I launch Excel, it always
displays an error message Excel does not recognize this file format. I take
Cancel option, it opens my previous (use it long time ago) Excel file. I
have to close it and then start my work with Excel. If I take OK option, it
opens two files: one is above file and another .mdb file. I have to close
them one by one and then start my work. Can someone advise how to get rid
of it.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[CyberTaz]

The first thing I'd suspect is that in Excel> Preferences> General you have
a location specified in the "At startup, open all files in:" field. Clear
that content and all should be fine.

Keep in mind, though, that .mdb is a Microsoft Access database file format
not supported on the Mac in the first place.

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Scott]

Bob,

Thanks for your useful advice that fixes the problem. I did not touch this
setting since I installed and it seems a default setting. What is the main
purpose to open all files in a folder regardless of file types?

Scott

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Scott;

I've no definite idea how the specification occurred but it isn't the
default for the program. My guess would be that in attempting to specify a
default location for a working folder the wrong "Select..." button was
clicked. When the software is first installed that field as well as the
"Preferred File Location" field are blank -- at that point Excel has no idea
what folders you even have, let alone which ones to choose

At least one concept behind the purpose of that option is that many people
have a standard workflow which requires the use of certain files every time
they launch the program. It saves a significant amount of time, especially
if the files are not all Excel files. The idea is that no files should be
stored in the designated folder if they aren't a part of the workflow...
Particularly if they're files which can't be opened

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Scott]

Cyber,

Thanks for sharing your idea. Its a strange behavior for normal customers
who gain trouble rather than advantages.

Scott