"Hi All, I've tried using Excel COM object on Windows server 2016 and Excel 2010. But when I'm trying to open the Excel file I'm facing this error, ' Exception from HRESULT : 0x800A03EC.' I've never got this error in Excel 2016. Is this specific to lower versions of Excel? Can I resolve this? And I've tried import-Excel, and I need a COM object for the specific task. Thank you for your time." - Reddit User

The "Exception from HRESULT 0x800a03ec" error isn't specific to any Excel version. It can happen on older and newer versions as well. Many users report the problem all the time. The good news is that you can fix it, and this guide shows you how.

In this article
    1. Method 1. Review the VBA Code
    2. Method 2. Check Add-ins for Disabled Items
    3. Method 3. Adjust the Macro Settings
    4. Method 4. Save Your Excel File in New Format
    5. Method 6. Repair the Microsoft Office app
    6. Method 7. Repair Corrupt Excel File

Part 1: What Causes the Exception From Hresult 0x800a03ec Error?

The "0x800A03EC" error in Excel can happen due to many several reasons, including:

  • Problem with the VBA code (incomplete or incorrect queries).
  • Conflict between Add-ins and the code operation.
  • Issue with the macros.
  • Incompatible data formats.
  • The Excel file is corrupted/damaged.
  • Larger data than Excel can handle.

Part 2: 6 Ways to Fix the Exception From Hresult 0x800a03ec Error

Before trying the fixes discussed below, here are some preliminary checks to do:

  1. Ensure your Windows and computer drivers are updated to the latest versions.
  2. Make sure there's no equal sign (=) at the start of the data while exporting your file.
  3. Check that you're not performing two operations on the same file in a short amount of time.
  4. Deep scan your system with reliable antivirus software and clean junk files from the computer.
  5. Create a copy of the spreadsheet and cut down the number of rows.

If the error persists, one of the following solutions should help:

Method 1. Review the VBA Code

The "Hresult 0x800a03ec" error can happen if you create wrong or have incomplete queries in the Excel VBA code.

So, check the code for logical flaws, typos, syntax errors, and missing references. Also, make sure that you're not using an invalid method to call VBA code.

Method 2. Check Add-ins for Disabled Items

Check if Add-ins settings are preventing macros from performing correctly. You can check and turn on disabled items in Add-ins using the following steps:

  1. Click the File menu and choose Options.
    hit the file menu button and select options
  2. In Excel Options, hit the Add-ins button.
  3. Hit the arrow that corresponds to the Manage section.
  4. Choose "Disabled Items," then click the Go button.
    click the arrow next to manage and choose disabled items
  5. That will open a list of items disabled. Here, click the turned-off items, then choose Enable. Restart Excel to allow the changes to take effect.

Method 3. Adjust the Macro Settings

You can also fix 0x800a03ec in Excel by adjusting the Macro settings as follows:

  1. In Microsoft Excel, click File, then go to Options > Trust Center.
    head to options and select trust center
  2. Hit the Macro Settings button under the Trust Center.
    select the enable all macros option
  3. Choose "Enable all macros," then click OK to apply the changes. Check if the issue is now resolved.
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Method 4. Save Your Excel File in New Format

Save your file in a new format to avoid the "Comexception 0x800a03ec" error. These are the simple steps:

  1. Open MS Excel and go to File > Open.
    go to file and choose open then browse
  2. Hit Browse to select your file, then choose Open.
  3. Once the file opens, click the Save As button.
    save your excel file in new format
  4. Now, select the location where you prefer saving the file and type a name. Ensure you've chosen Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) for file type. Next, hit the Save button.

Method 6. Repair the Microsoft Office app

Sometimes, a software glitch on the Microsoft Office app may be to blame for the error. Here's how to run a repair:

  1. Press the keys Windows + R on your keyboard to launch the Run window.
    open the programs and features tab
  2. Type "appwiz.cpl," then hit the OK button. This will open the "Programs and Features" tab.
  3. Select Microsoft Office, then click Change.
    select microsoft office and then click change
  4. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
  5. Choose "Quick Repair" and then hit the "Repair" button.
    choose quick repair then hit the repair button

Method 7. Repair Corrupt Excel File

If the Excel Hresult 0x800a03ec has persisted to this point, your file may be corrupt. The good news is that you can repair your file(s) with a reliable file repair tool like Repairit File Repair. It's one of the most effective and secure tools available.

With it, you can rebuild your Excel files in a few clicks and resolve the annoying 0x800a03ec error code. Repairit users advanced features, such as batch repair. This feature makes it possible to repair multiple files simultaneously, which saves time. You can install Repairit on Windows and Mac and repair files with a very high success rate.

Here are the simple steps:

  1. Open the software and go to the More Types Repair mode. Next, select the File Repair option.
    go to more types repair mode and choose file repair
  2. Click the +Add button to upload the corrupted Excel file(s) you'd like to repair.
    click the add button to add your corrupted excel files
  3. Once you've uploaded the corrupted Excel file(s), hit the Repair button. Repairit will begin the repair process immediately.
    click the repair button to start the repair process
  4. The process will be complete shortly. Click Preview to access the repaired file(s). Next, hit the Save button to save the file(s) to a preferred location.
    preview your repaired excel files before saving them
Repair Corrupt Excel File Due to 0x800a03ec Error

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Conclusion

You now know how to fix the "Exception from Hresult 0x800a03ec" error. You can resolve it by reviewing the VBA code and correcting any abnormalities. Adjusting the macro settings may also help if the issue results from incorrect settings.

The 0x800a03ec error might also result from corrupt or damaged files. If this is the case for you, install Repairit File Repair and fix the corruption in a few clicks. Hopefully, this guide has helped you fix the error code.

FAQ

  • What does the Hresult 0x800a03ec error mean?
    The error "Hresult 0x800a03ec" indicates that Excel is unable to open. It means that the Excel.exe process is blocked in the background.
  • How do you fix the ComeXception 0x800a03ec?
    To fix the ComeXception 0x800a03ec error, open the component service window and expand the Console Root. Go to Computer and choose "DCOM Config." Next, find the "Microsoft Excel Application" on the list, right-click on it, and choose Properties. You can then click the Identity tab on the properties dialog and choose "The interactive user."
Louie Morgan
Louie Morgan Feb 20, 25
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Louie Morgan
Written by Louie Morgan
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