Error message when you open a Word document or an Excel worksheet: "The document caused a serious error the last time it was opened"

When you try to open a file that Microsoft Office Excel or Microsoft Office Word could not open previously, you may receive the following error message: You may receive this message every time you try to open the file.

This problem 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 quit unexpectedly (crash) during two or more tries to open it. This message allows you to avoid potential problems that may occur if you open the file.

To resolve this problem, remove the file from the list of disabled files. To do so, follow these steps:

1. In Word 2003 or Excel 2003, click About Microsoft Program on the Help menu to view the list of disabled files.
2. Click Disabled Items.
3. To re-enable one of the listed items, click the item, and then click Enable.

1. In Word 2007 or Excel 2007, click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Word Options to view the list of disabled files.
2. In the left pane, click Add-Ins.
3. In the right pane, select Disabled Items in the Manage list, and then click Go.
4. To re-enable one of the listed items, click the item, and then click Enable.

Note Although a file is enabled, the program may still be unable to open it. The file may still cause serious errors.