Delete EXD files
How to Delete ALL 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
One way to delete the old EXD files is to run a DOS command. To run a DOS command, first display a command prompt. To do so, quit Excel, and choose Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
Type the following command (not case sensitive), and press Enter.
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.
Optional
If you would like to see a list of the EXD files before deleting them, at the command prompt enter the following command.
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.