Whether you are automating reports or performing complex calculations, broken macros are not just an inconvenience but a productivity roadblock. Instead of starting over manually and re-doing hours of work, there are targeted fixes and tools that can get your macros and files back on track.
Hence, in this guide, we will break down the most common reasons why the “Excel macro not working” and will show you a detailed stepwise solution. So, keep reading this, and let’s get your data safe again.
Part 1. Excel Macro Not Working: Common Causes
Part 2. General Fixes to Excel Macro Not Working
Part 3. Excel File Repair Tool: Utilizing Repairit for Effective Restoration
Part 4. Repair Corrupted Excel File: Additional Tips and Preventive Measures
Part 1. Excel Macro Not Working: Common Causes
Before we learn about all the fixes and introduce the Excel file repair tool, it is essential to know what’s causing these macro issues in the first place.
- Macros Disabled in Settings: By default, Excel disables macros for security reasons, especially if the file is downloaded from the internet or sent as an email attachment. If they are not enabled in the “Trust Center,” they won’t run regardless of how well they are written.
- Corrupted Excel File: A damaged Excel file can prevent macros from executing properly or cause them to behave unpredictably. Corruption can occur due to abrupt shutdowns, crashes, or transmission errors when sharing files.
- Add-in Conflicts: Certain add-ins can interfere with macros execution, particularly if they contain their scripts or automate similar functions. These conflicts can silently block your macros or even cause Excel to crash.
- High Security Level: It offers multiple macros security levels, and they may be blocked entirely without warning if it’s set too high. This setting can override other permissions and leave users wondering why their code does not run.
- Macros Code Errors: If the VBA code contains a syntax error or calls an undefined variable or object, the macros will fail to run. Sometimes, changes in worksheet structure or deleted references can also break previously working macros.
Part 2. General Fixes to Excel Macro Not Working
From adjusting security to learning how to repair a corrupted Excel file, the following solutions will help you get your macros running smoothly again:
1. Enable Macros in Trust Center Settings
In Trust Center settings, Microsoft centralizes all security and privacy-related options, which include macros settings. If Macros are disabled here, the spreadsheet will automatically block any scripts from running, even if the code is safe and necessary. By enabling macros in the Trust Center through the given steps, you’ll allow Excel to execute VBA scripts associated with your file:
Step 1. Start the process by clicking the “File” tab once you access your sheet.
Step 2. From the left sidebar, click the “Option” button to proceed.
Step 3. Press the “Trust Center Settings” from the “Trust Center” in the Excel option menu.
Step 4. Afterward, choose the “Macro Setting” from the list on the Trust Center screen and then select “Enable All Macros (Not Recommended; Potentially Dangerous Code Can Run). Once it is done, press the “Ok” button.
2. Check for and Remove Conflicting Add-ins
If the Excel macros is not working, you need to check the add-ins in your Excel that are third-party tools to enhance the functionality. Identifying and disabling problematic add-ins can eliminate hidden conflicts that silently block macro execution. With the mentioned steps, you can restore a smooth working environment, especially if your macros suddenly stopped working after installing new plugins:
Step 1. Pick the “Options” button from the left-hand menu after clicking the file tab.
Step 2. Select the “Add-ins” choice and click on the “Excel Add-ins” option from the expanded “Manage” list to hit the “Go” button. Then, click the “OK” button to finalize the process.
3. Update Excel to the Latest Version
Using an outdated version of the spreadsheet can lead to compatibility issues and errors that stop macros from working. Updating Excel ensures you have the latest features and stability improvements that support smooth macro execution. While platforms like the Excel file repair tool can help recover corrupted files, keeping them updated through the following steps helps prevent such problems from occurring:
Instructions. Go to your Excel “File” tab, press the “Account” option, and pick the “Update Options.” Upon doing so, a pop-up menu will open where you click the “Update Now” button to start the updating process.
4. Online Repair for MS Office
It is a built-in Microsoft feature that thoroughly scans and reinstalls essential Office components to fix software issues. This method is especially useful when the spreadsheet functions and macros stop working due to damaged program files. If you’re trying to repair a corrupted Excel file caused by underlying Office problems, here is how this method offers a reliable way to restore functionality:
Step 1. Open your PC’s settings, and from the left panel, select the “App” option. Under the “Installed Apps” section, press the “Three Dots” beside the software and hit the “Modify” button from the pop-up.
Step 2. Now, activate the “Online Repair” feature and click the “Repair” button to continue.
Step 3. For confirmation, hit the “Repair” button once again and start the online repair process.
Part 3. Excel File Repair Tool: Utilizing Repairit for Effective Restoration
Aside from the issues above, the Excel macros not working can also result from file corruption caused by malicious code. Consequently, to repair your damaged workbook, you can utilize Repairit File Repair. It is a data recovery software that not only allows you to repair your Excel file, but also any kind of document, videos, and more. Moreover, you can repair multiple .xlsx files at once and enjoy full compatibility with Excel 2019 and older versions.
Anyone, even beginners, can use it to fix their broken files, as there is no learning curve. With its batch processing tool, users can mend more than one file at a time to save time and improve work efficiency. Apart from this, it fixes all types of Excel corruption, which includes unrecognizable formats and unreadable content, quickly and with no effort.
Key Features
- ZIP File: If your Excel file is in a ZIP folder, it still repairs and ensures no data is left behind.
- Changing File Layout: The tool preserves your document’s original layout and formatting to avoid unexpected distortion that can impact readability.
- Advanced Repair Tool: It offers a more advanced repair tool that instantly recovers files.
Detailed Guideline on How to Repair Your Corrupted Excel File Using Repairit
Here is a comprehensive stepwise guide to repair a corrupted Excel file given below:
Step 1. Download the Tool and Choose File Repair
Access Repairit and go to the “More Types Repair” tab from the left menu to click the “File Repair” option from the main interface.
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Step 2. Recheck and Start the Repair Process
From the next screen, press the “+Add” button to import the target corrupted file from your device. Then, under “Unrepaired Files,” verify your file and press the “Repair” button to initiate the process.
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Step 3. Download the Repaired Files
Once the repair is done, preview the results and press the “Save All” button. Then a pop-up menu will appear where you click the “Save” button once again to download the file.
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Part 4. Repair Corrupted Excel File: Additional Tips and Preventive Measures
After learning how the Excel file repair tool can recover your data, it is just as important to take steps to prevent future issues. The following tips will help you protect your files and reduce the risk of corruption moving forward:
- Keep Backups Handy: You can keep a backup of your Excel files, either on cloud storage or an external drive, to ensure you have an untouched version.
- Avoid Sudden Shutdowns: Try to refrain from force-closing Excel or shutting down your computer abruptly, as this can interrupt the fake saving process.
- Update Regularly: Make sure to keep regularly updating Excel and your operating systems, since software updates often include bug fixes.
- Enable AutoRecover: Users can use Excel’s built-in “Save AutoRecover Information” feature, which creates automatic recovery points in case of crashes.
Conclusion
Running into issues like “Excel macro not working” can be frustrating. Therefore, this guide has provided you with the top causes and practical solutions. By applying these methods, you can fix this problem with ease. However, if it doesn’t work, then it is possible that your Excel file is corrupted due to malicious code. To fix this problem, you can use Repairit, which instantly repairs corrupted files.
