The .XLS file extension is an extension commonly associated with Microsoft’s Excel application. Excel is an application that enables users to create charts, diagrams, and simple programs via a spreadsheet. Since Microsoft Excel does indeed allow for a lot of functionality, there are certain security risks involved with this file extension.
How to Open an XLS File Extension
To open an .XLS file extension, a user is presented with two commonly used options. First, the user may use the Microsoft Excel to open and edit the file. Keep in mind that Microsoft Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite, so it does not come as free. (Although students and organizations do get certain discounts)
To avoid the cost of Microsoft Excel, one can download the .XLS file extension viewing program Microsoft developed. This application will allow users who don’t have Microsoft Excel to view the .XLS files that others create. Note, however, that using this program will not allow users to edit or create the .XLS files; only view them. Nevertheless, this is a free application from the Microsoft website- so it’s well worth the download.
There are a few other programs associated with the .XLS file extension, albeit they are much lesser known. The CorelDraw process that is associated with a graphics suite from the Corel Corporation has been also known to use this file extension. Most notably, this corporation uses this file extension in their own version of Microsoft Excel- although it isn’t free.
Frigate3, a file management system, is another application that may make use of the .XLS file extension. As this does not relate to spreadsheets, be careful not to open Excel-specific file types with Frigate3- as an error may result.
Seeking Alternatives to Opening .XLS File Extension
Luckily, there is a free alternative to Microsoft Excel. This alternative, unlike the free viewing application produced by Microsoft, will allow users to edit and create documents in the .XLS file extension.
This alternative is called OpenOffice, an open source alternative to the Microsoft Office suite. OpenOffice will be able to provide much of the functionality Microsoft Excel does- all for free. At the moment there are very few alternatives to opening the .XLS file extension; OpenOffice is usually your best bet for a free solution.
As stated earlier, the Corel alternative to Microsoft Office or OpenOfice is also available. This program goes by the name of Quattro Pro, and is generally much less expensive than Microsoft Office (although still costs money, unlike OpenOffice).
Common Errors Associate with .XLS File Formats
The .XLS format is associated with Microsoft Excel. You should take a look at the registry keys “HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0” and “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftOffice12.0” for errors if you are obtaining errors. (Note that you should use a program to do this- you could ruin your computer if you aren’t careful!)
If there is a conflict with another program, you may need to start Windows in safe mode to see if that fixes things. (Also note that there is a safe mode that Excel itself can run in)
Other common problems can be fixed with simply creating a new shortcut to the .EXE file, which is named Excel.exe. This will fix most trivial problems- but expect the majority of the problems to be hard to find and even harder to fix. (Again- investing in a tool to do this for you would be well worth the money)
Final Notes on the .XLS File Extension
The .XLS file extension is vulnerable to a few security risks. These risks come as a result of the increased functionality that Microsoft Excel and OpenOffice provides. Since users can create macros, programs, and make use of other advanced features, there are some who take advantage of this.
To get around this pitfall, it is recommended an antivirus or antispyware application be used. This will essentially shield the home user from any obscene code that would otherwise wreak havoc. Likewise, the utmost care should be taken when dealing with .XLS files you aren’t familiar with.
