excel 2000 documents close after a few seconds on the screen

Use the following instructions at your own risk.

You must first CLOSE Excel.

Start-->Run and type:

regedit

Hit your Enter key. As you might browse folders in Windows Explorer, browse to the appropriate path:

For Excel 97:
hkey_current_user\software\microsoft\office\8.0\excel

For Excel 2000:
hkey_current_user\software\microsoft\office\9.0\excel

For Excel XP:
hkey_current_user\software\microsoft\office\10.0\excel

If you are unable to find this folder, or do not understand how to find it, then you should stop here and get support over the phone or in person.

Once you have found the path, right click the Excel folder, hit Rename and rename it to OldExcel. Hit Enter, and then exit the Registry Editor; and then relaunch Excel.

I would have inserted the disk. There must be something wrong with your install because you normally would not be asked for the disk. All we are doing is forcing Excel to re-register itself into the Windows registry. I think that, if it was a clean install, you would not be being asked for the disk.

If you have it, I'd do it.

Likewise, if you can at least get the app to stay open long enough, run detect and repair from Excel's help menu.

So you CAN get into Excel.
Try going to Tools-Options, General tab and remove the checkmark (if there is one) for "Ignore Other Applications".

Hi

I run with Dreamboats suggestions fully – do as she advises in REGISTRY, but do not run or re install.

Close all applications
Shut down windows
Wait 2 minutes
Re boot
Wait 1 minute and open excel only no other applications will be open.

NB make sure that any start load applications Norton Utility’s or Anti Virus applications have scanned and completed prior to running Excel from reboot, all must have finished running and be in idol state, or background running.

Might suggest closing / shutting down all but not Anti Virus software this I stress in the strongest possible terms do not switch off regardless of reasons.

Kindest possible regards

Jack in the UK

Hi Inquiringmind,

In addition to Dreamboats and JIUK suggestions You may also try following:

Open XL without any Add-ins / Hidden workbooks:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft
Office\Office\Excel.exe" /Automation

In case it working then You might have problem with some Add-in. Uncheck all add-ins and add them stepwise back again. Don´t forgett to restart XL between these activites.

You may also try to run XL in save-mode:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Excel.exe" /Safe

You may also consider to unregister / register excel.exe in windows-register (i e not equal to re-install just to wipe out old information)

• Choose Start | Run...
• Enter excel.exe /unregserver
• Shut down Windows and start it again
• Choose Start | Run
• Enter excel.exe /regserver
• Startup XL.

Have You emptied the XLStart-folder? If not, give it a try.

You may also, in case of corrupted toolbars, rename all files with the extension *.xlb and the start up XL.

And finally check out following KB-article in the MSKB:
XL: How to Troubleshoot Startup Problems in Microsoft Excel
troubleshoot

I cannot help but think you have missed a step along the way somewhere. It is best to SEARCH for the files you're asked to look for because, quite frankly, you may have more than one and you're changing the wrong one.

If there is nothing in your XLSTART, and you have no addins, and you followed the troubleshooting instructions, then I cannot help further. We have virtually robbed Excel completely using those steps. Hence, I think someone was overlooked/missed.

No offense to you of course, Inquiringmind. Perhaps it is more like wishful thinking on my part so I don't have to ponder this question anymore, LOL!!

Hi again,

Since You´re able to open up XL without any specific workbook You may check that the field for the alternative startupfolder is empty.

Tools | Options | Tab General | Clear the field "At startup open all files in".

Can You recall if You recently have updated some software or installed new software?