Delete EXD files

Problem

You try to run an add-in, and you receive an error message like the following:

Object library invalid or contains references to object definitions that could not be found.

Possible cause

The add-in uses newer VBA software components than the ones available on your computer. Even if you have updated your computer software regularly, the update process may not delete old versions of specific VBA software components. When you try to run an add-in, the old versions are found to be incompatible with the newer add-in, and the error occurs.

Solution

Delete the older versions of the software components, specifically the EXD files. It is safe to delete the EXD files because newer compatible files will be created automatically the next time you run the add-in. You only have to do this once. Note that some EXD files can be hidden files.

Instructions

WARNING: You can do harm to your computer if you mistype the command below.
We take no responsibility for your typos!

One way to delete the old EXD files is to run a DOS command. To run a DOS command, first display an Elevated Command Prompt (don't know how?). To do so, quit Excel, and choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.

Type the following commands (not case sensitive), and press Enter.

CD \

to change to the root folder, followed by:

DEL /S /A:H /A:-H *.EXD

After the files have been deleted, dismiss the Command Prompt dialog box by either (a) clicking the X button in the dialog box top right corner or (b) typing EXIT at the command prompt and pressing Enter. Then run Excel and load the Sheet.

List EXD files

If you would like to see a list of the EXD files before deleting them, at the command prompt enter the following command. This a good idea if you wish to see if you have any EXD files on your hard drive.

DIR /S /A:H /A:-H *.EXD

Explanation

Explanation of the arguments for the DEL (delete) and DIR (directory listing) commands:

/S includes files in the specified directory shown at the prompt and all subdirectories.

/A:H includes files with the attribute called "hidden."

Some of the EXD files may be hidden, that is, they usually are not displayed when you search for files.

/A:-H includes files that are not hidden.

*.EXD includes all files with the EXD extension.

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