Overview: This article provides a checklist to help users troubleshoot instances of Excel crashing when opening a binder from Active Workpapers.
Resolving Excel Crashing Issues
1. Check System Resources
Ensure your environment/machine has sufficient resources for Excel to function properly. Excel is resource-intensive, so we recommend the following:
RAM: At least 16GB
CPU: A recent 10Gen gen CPU or above
Refer to our [System Requirements page] for detailed specifications.
Tip: Your IT can help you open Task Manager > Performance alongside Excel to monitor resource usage and identify if any system limits are being reached when the Excel crash occurs.
2. Disable COM and Excel Add-ins
Other conflicting COM Add-ins are a common cause of instability. To check and disable them:
Open Excel and go to File > Options > Add-ins
From the Manage dropdown at the bottom, select COM Add-ins or Excel Add-ins, then click Go
Untick any selected add-ins and click OK
Close Excel fully and try opening the binder again
If this resolves the issue, re-enable the add-ins one at a time and test until the problematic one is identified.
Known conflicting third-party add-ins include:
LEAP Excel Add-in
Templafy Excel Add-in
Sage X3 Office Excel Add-in (may require Office repair after disabling)
HowNow Office Add-in
Kofax Convert PDF and Export PDF Add-ins
3. Remove Multiple Office Versions
Ensure only one instance of Microsoft Office is installed on your machine.
Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features and uninstall any outdated or duplicate Office installations.
4. Update Excel
Make sure your Excel application is up to date and aligns with our supported version list. Visit our [System Requirements page] for details.
5. Verify OS Compatibility
Confirm that you're using a supported version of Windows or macOS. Older or unsupported operating systems/environments can lead to compatibility issues with Active Workpapers. Refer to our [System Requirements page] for guidance.
6. Test with Other Binders
Try opening other binders to determine if the issue is isolated to a specific binder or occurs more broadly. Pay attention to patterns, such as:
When the crash happens (e.g., during loading or navigation)
Whether it occurs when inserting/opening a particular workpaper sheet
If the problem is limited to one binder, try removing the most recently added sheet or record to see if that resolves the issue.
7. Disable Excel Safe Mode
Excel may launch in safe mode, which can interfere with add-in functionality.
To disable safe mode:
Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings
Select ActiveX Settings
Uncheck or disable any options enforcing Safe Mode
Restart Excel and try opening the binder again
8. Repair or Reinstall Office
Using Control Panel > Programs and Features, select your Microsoft Office installation and choose:
Quick Repair to fix minor issues
Online Repair or Uninstall/Reinstall for more persistent problems
After repair or reinstall, test Excel again with the binder.
If the issue persists, please contact our Support team by clicking the Help icon at the top of the screen and requesting to speak with a person in the Support Messenger window.