Fixed! Cannot Start the Source Application for This Object in Excel

Have you ever tried to open an embedded file and received the error message "Cannot start the source application for this object" in Excel? Many Excel users face this issue, even when using compatible software like Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Office. This error usually happens when Excel cannot connect to the program needed to open the embedded object.

Fortunately, there are ways to fix the issue and regain access to your files. In this guide, you'll learn the common causes of this error and practical solutions to fix it.

Part 1: Why Does 'Cannot Start the Source Application for This Object' Error in Excel Occur?

The error "Cannot start the source application for this object" in Excel appears when you try to open an embedded file. This includes a Word document, PDF, or image, but Excel cannot connect to the program needed to open it. The error may prevent you from accessing important information. Also it prevents you from completing tasks that depend on linked objects.

Here are some causes of the "Cannot start the source application for this object" in Excel problem.

• Corrupted Files

A corrupted embedded file is one of the most common reasons for this error. If the object inside Excel is damaged, Excel may struggle to access the necessary application to open it.

• Unsupported File Format

Not all file formats are compatible with Excel. If the embedded object is saved in a format that Excel does not recognize, it may not be able to start the associated application.

• Missing or Outdated Source Applications

Every embedded object in Excel relies on an external program to open it. If that program is missing, outdated, or installed incorrectly, Excel will fail to start it. For example, if you embed a PowerPoint file but do not have PowerPoint installed, Excel cannot open the object.

• Permission Restrictions

Excel may block embedded objects due to restricted file permissions. If the file comes from an unknown source or has been downloaded from the internet, Excel might prevent it from opening for security reasons.

• System-Specific Issues

The operating system you are using can also affect how Excel handles embedded objects. Windows and Mac versions of Excel work differently, and some features may not be fully supported across both platforms. Other programs or system updates on your computer can also stop Excel from opening embedded files.

Part 2: Troubleshooting the "Cannot Start the Source Application for This Object" Error in Excel

Now that you know why this error happens, how can you fix it? There are several ways to solve the "Cannot start the source application for this object" problem in Excel. It depends on what is its cause. Try these solutions to get your Excel files working again.

Method 1. Run a Reliable Repair Tool

When embedded objects become corrupted, Excel may fail to open them, no matter how many times you try. In such cases, using a trusted file repair tool can help fix the problem without losing important data.

Repairit File Repair is a professional tool designed to repair corrupted Excel files and their embedded objects. It works by scanning damaged files, fixing any issues, and restoring them to their original condition.

Key Features of Repairit File Repair

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• Repair damaged Excel files with all levels of corruption, including blank files, files not opening, unrecognizable format, unreadable content, files layout changed, etc.

• Repairs all kinds of data stored in damaged Excel files such as tables, charts, formulas, comments, images, etc.

• Support all formats of Excel files: XLSX/XLSM/XLTX/XLTM/XLS

• Perfectly repair corrupted files with a very high success rate, without modifying the original file.

• No limit to the number and size of the repairable files.

• Support Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, and macOS 10.12~macOS 15.

• Except Excel, Repairit also supports all formats of PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ZIP, and Adobe files.

Step 1. Open Repairit on your device and navigate to More Types Repair. Pick the File Repair tool.

Step 2. Hit the +Add button and select the damaged file.

Step 3. Press on Repair to start the process.

Step 4. Preview the repaired file to check if the embedded object is fixed. Store the fixed file in a safe location by clicking Save.

Method 2. Verify File Compatibility

If the embedded object is in an unsupported format, Excel may struggle to launch the correct application. Some file types require specific programs that may not be installed or supported on your system.

Older file versions can cause issues because newer Excel versions might not recognize them properly. Checking the file format and ensuring compatibility can help prevent the error from occurring.

Step 1. Right-click the embedded object and Open with other programs like, WPS Office, to check if it works outside Excel.

Step 2. Check the file extension (e.g., .docx, .pdf) and ensure the required program is installed.

Method 3. Update or Repair Source Applications

Embedded objects in Excel rely on their source applications to open correctly. If the required program, such as Word or PowerPoint, is outdated or not working properly, Excel won’t be able to launch it. Updating these programs helps them work with Excel and open embedded objects without problems.

If updating the program doesn’t work, repairing the installation might help. Corrupted or incomplete installations of software can cause Excel to fail when trying to start an embedded object.

Step 1. Open the Microsoft application (e.g., Word, PowerPoint) separately to check for any issues.

Step 2. Update the software through the official Microsoft website.

Step 3. If issues persist, go to the Control Panel.

Step 4. Select Programs and choose Programs and Features.

Step 5. Select the Microsoft Office, and choose Repair.

Step 6. Restart Excel and try opening the object again.

Method 4. Disable Protected View

Excel has security features that can block embedded objects from opening. It is particular if the file comes from an external source. An email attachment or downloaded document are examples. Protected View is one such feature that prevents potentially harmful content from running. However, sometimes it mistakenly blocks safe files, leading to the error.

Disabling certain security settings can allow Excel to open embedded files without restrictions. This is especially useful if you trust the source of the file but still experience access issues.

Step 1. Open Excel and go to File, then Options.

Step 2. Select Trust Center and click Trust Center Settings.

Step 3. Choose Protected View from the left panel. Uncheck the options under Protected View to disable it, then click OK.

Step 4. Restart Excel, and check if the object opens.

Method 5. Check File Permissions

Do you have the right permissions to access the embedded object? Files that are set to "Read-Only" or restricted by your system’s security settings can prevent Excel from opening them properly.

In some cases, workplace or enterprise-level security settings can also restrict access to embedded files. Ensuring you have full access to the file and its contents can help resolve the issue.

Step 1. Right-click the Excel file and select Properties.

Step 2. Under the General tab, check if the file is marked as Read-Only. If so, uncheck it.

Step 3. Go to Security and ensure you have full control over the file. Click OK and try opening the embedded object again.

Part 3: How to Avoid 'Cannot Start the Source Application for This Object' Error in Excel?

While resolving the "Cannot start the source application for this object" error in Excel issue is important, taking steps to prevent it in the future can save you time. You can keep your embedded objects working smoothly and avoid encountering this error again by following these tips:

1. Keep Your Software Updated

Updating Excel and related applications regularly helps prevent compatibility issues that can cause this error. Enable automatic updates to ensure you always have the latest features and security fixes.

2. Use Compatible File Formats

Not all file formats work well with Excel. Using the correct format for embedded objects can help prevent access issues. If you receive a file from an external source, verify its format before embedding it in Excel.

3. Manage File Locations Properly

Where you store your files can affect how Excel accesses embedded objects. Files saved in restricted locations, such as network drives or cloud storage, might have access limitations that lead to this error. Avoid moving files frequently, as changing file paths can break links between Excel and the embedded object.

4. Adjust Excel Security Settings Carefully

Excel includes security settings to protect your data, but sometimes these settings can block legitimate embedded objects. Configuring them properly can help prevent unnecessary restrictions. Add trusted locations in Excel to allow files from specific folders to open without security warnings.

5. Maintain Proper File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can prevent Excel from accessing embedded objects, even if the files are in the correct format. Ensuring proper access rights helps prevent permission-related errors. Check and modify file properties to grant full access where needed.

Conclusion

The "Cannot start the source application for this object" error in Excel can be frustrating, but it is manageable. Knowing the causes, using the right solutions, and taking precautions can help keep your Excel files working well. If you face corruption issues, tools like Repairit File Repair provide a dependable way to recover your files. You can avoid unnecessary downtime.