Microsoft KB Archive/286017

= Error message when you open a file in Excel or in Word: &quot;The document  caused a serious error the last time it was opened&quot; =

Article ID: 286017

Article Last Modified on 3/9/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003
 * Microsoft Office Excel 2007
 * Microsoft Office Excel 2003
 * Microsoft Excel 2002 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Office Word 2007
 * Microsoft Office Word 2003
 * Microsoft Word 2002 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works Suite 2003
 * Microsoft Works Suite 2002

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This article was previously published under Q286017



SYMPTOMS
When you try to open a file that Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word could not open previously, you receive the following error message:

The document ' ' caused a serious error the last time it was opened. Would you like to continue opening it?

You receive this message every time that you try to open the file.



CAUSE
This issue occurs because the file appears on the list of disabled files for the Microsoft Office program. The program adds a file to this list if the file causes a serious error, such as causing the program to close unexpectedly (crash) during two or more attempts to open it.

This message lets you avoid potential problems that may occur if you open the file.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, remove the file from the list of disabled files. To do this, follow these steps, as appropriate for the version of Word or of Excel that you are running.

Microsoft Office Excel 2003, Microsoft Excel 2002, Microsoft Office Word 2003, or Microsoft Word 2002

 * 1) On the Help menu, click About Microsoft  , and then click Disabled Items.
 * 2) Select the file, and then click Enable.

Microsoft Office Excel 2007 or Microsoft Office Word 2007

 * 1) Click the Microsoft Office Button, click   Options, click the Add-Ins tab.
 * 2) Click to select Disabled Items in the Manage list, and then click Go.
 * 3) Select the file, and then click Enable.

Note Although a file is enabled, the program may still not be able to open it. The file may still cause serious errors.

Additional query words: WD2002 XL2002 OfficeErrorMessages 10043 xl2003 wd2003 off2003 WD2007 XL2007

Keywords: kbopenfile kberrmsg kbfea kbprb KB286017

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