[Solved] 'There was a Problem Sending the Command to the Program' - Microsoft Excel Troubleshooting

I have been just fed up with these simple errors causing my workout very slow while working. An error occurred when sending commands to the program in Microsoft Excel. These following steps show how to fix the issue when you are going to open Excel, and it pops up with the message - "There was a Problem Sending the Command to the Program". When I was trying to open by double clicking on the .xlsx or .xls file in Microsoft Excel 2016, it's showing that error message "There was a Problem Sending the Command to the Program" quickly before opening the actual file. Then I initially had a look at the file, and it seemed good enough, and I found that I have unexpected error only with Microsoft Excel itself. Note that this solution also works well with any Microsoft tool including Microsoft Word, Excel 2007 or 2010. Simple tutorial to fix Microsoft Excel Errors.

Fix - There was a Problem Sending the Command to the Program

Last time we saw troubleshooting Microsoft word - [FIX] 'Word Experienced An Error Trying To Open The File'; it's been just solved and after solving that error I suddenly encountered this error while using Microsoft Excel. But after troubleshooting Microsoft Excel I got the solution and then finally able to open and edit my excel file.

Also read: Top 6 Tips to Speed Up, Optimize & Improve Windows PC Performance

FIX - There was a Problem Sending the Command to the Program

To be honest, I am not Microsoft Excel Experts, so I go to view xls files online, but it didn't work for me. Then I go through excel mobile app, and it was opening my file to edit, so it confirms that there is no problem with the xls file. Then while troubleshooting Microsoft Excel, I found that the reason behind this error is Dynamic Data Exchange [DDE]. I found from the ms excel developer that, it's a communication protocol typically used to communicate the source of the file with the Microsoft tool. This feature helps the operating system to handle minimum resources and keep the computer on high speed. In short, this error encounters when windows unable to connect by DDE with the application while opening the source of the file. Well, the solution is straightforward and easy to fix it. Just follow the steps given below as it is.

Step 1. Make sure default program
Check the default program for that particular file extension. If you have .xls then you need to have Microsoft Excel as a default program for that.

• For this, right click on that file >> choose 'Open with' >> and choose appropriate program as shown below
• for .doc, .docx choose Microsoft Word
• For .xls, .xlsx choose Microsoft Excel

[If you don't have the appropriate program listed then you need to add from the installed location]

Step 2. Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange [DDE]

• Open Microsoft Excel >> Options >> Advanced >> In General tab you will see the option to 'Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)'.
[As shown in picture]

That's all, and your problem gets solved. Now you can check your file. If you know any other quick solution, then you can share with me via comment section shown below.

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