Excel files will not open on my Mac with Msft365

Anonymous
2024-12-06T05:45:06+00:00

On my MacBook Air running macOS 15.11 many recent and past (but not all) Excel files will not open. The files were created and saved on this computer. The icons show on the desktop and they are listed in folders and most have been opened previously,, but now clicking (or dbl clicking) on either goes to an error box: "ALERT We're sorry but we couldn't find (name of file). Is itThe only response is OK which leads to nothing. This is an example of the full msg:
on my MacBook Air running macOS 15.11 many recent and past (but not all) Excel files will not open. The files were created and saved on this computer. The icons show on the and they are listed in folders, but clicking (or dbl clicking) on either goes to an error box: ALERT Sorry but we couldn't find (name of file). Here is an example.

Sorry, we couldn't find /Users/bruceculver/Desktop/OIHS funds 2024 8:OIHS funds 2024 8:9.xls. Is it possible it was moved, renamed or deleted?

And, NO, it is not possible that all of these files were moved, renamed or deleted, at least not by me and no one else touches my laptop.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For home | MacOS

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Answer accepted by question author
Jim G 134.1K Reputation points MVP
2024-12-07T02:32:06+00:00

Check for forbidden characters in the file name, enclosing folder and startup volume. Get rid of the forbidden characters:

Characters to avoid

https://www.mtu.edu/umc/services/websites/writing/characters-avoid/

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