Delete EXD files: Difference between revisions

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(Updated 2015)
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=Problem=
=Problem=
You try to run an add-in, and you receive an error message like the following:
You receive an error messages like the following:
 
:'''Can't load Picture: Failure to create Picture area'''
:'''Object library invalid or contains references to object definitions that could not be found.'''
:'''Object library invalid or contains references to object definitions that could not be found.'''


=Cause=
Microsoft updates will often invalidate existing .EXD files, thus creating problems with workbooks.


=Possible cause=
=Solution=
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.
Delete the '''EXD files'''. It is safe to delete the EXD files because they will be recreated automatically the next time they are required. Note that some EXD files can be ''hidden'' files on your Hard Disk.


=Find .EXD files on your Hard Disk=
If you would like to see a list of the EXD files before deleting them as explained below, enter this command in an Elevated Command Prompt:


=Solution=
:    <code>DIR /S /A:H /A:-H *.EXD</code>
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=
=DELETE the .exd files on your Hard Disk=
''<u>WARNING</u>: You can do harm to your computer if you mistype the command below.'' <br>
''<u>WARNING</u>: You can do harm to your computer if you mistype the command below.'' <br>
''We take no responsibility for your typos!''
''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 ([http://lmgtfy.com/?q=elevated+command+prompt don't know how?]). To do so, quit Excel, and choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
# Exit all Office programs (if any are open!)
 
# Open an Elevated Command Prompt '''Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt''' ([http://lmgtfy.com/?q=elevated+command+prompt don't know how?]).
Type the following commands (not case sensitive), and press Enter.
# Type the following commands (not case sensitive), and press Enter. This will bring us to the Root folder:
 
## :    <code>CD \</code>
:    <code>CD \</code>
# Then enter this command to seek & destroy .exd files. Don't mistype this!
 
## :    <code>DEL /S /A:H /A:-H *.EXD</code>
to change to the root folder, followed by:
 
:    <code>DEL /S /A:H /A:-H *.EXD</code>


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.
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=
=Command Line options overview=
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.
 
:    <code>DIR /S /A:H /A:-H *.EXD</code>
 
=Explanation=
Explanation of the arguments for the DEL (delete) and DIR (directory listing) commands:   
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.  
:    /S includes files in the specified directory shown at the prompt and all sub-directories.  


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

Revision as of 19:44, 11 January 2015

Problem

You receive an error messages like the following:

Can't load Picture: Failure to create Picture area
Object library invalid or contains references to object definitions that could not be found.

Cause

Microsoft updates will often invalidate existing .EXD files, thus creating problems with workbooks.

Solution

Delete the EXD files. It is safe to delete the EXD files because they will be recreated automatically the next time they are required. Note that some EXD files can be hidden files on your Hard Disk.

Find .EXD files on your Hard Disk

If you would like to see a list of the EXD files before deleting them as explained below, enter this command in an Elevated Command Prompt:

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

DELETE the .exd files on your Hard Disk

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


  1. Exit all Office programs (if any are open!)
  2. Open an Elevated Command Prompt Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt (don't know how?).
  3. Type the following commands (not case sensitive), and press Enter. This will bring us to the Root folder:
    1. : CD \
  4. Then enter this command to seek & destroy .exd files. Don't mistype this!
    1. : 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.

Command Line options overview

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 sub-directories.
/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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