I was also having the exact same problem--for all the Office products (Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, and Access). My search for the verclsid file listed
many--from previous auto-updates I suppose. Rename all or just one in
particular?


"Neto" wrote:

Check the following, from a different FAQ. It solves the problem.

Thank you very much. I've actually contacted Microsoft and finally resolved
the problem. The whole problem started with Windows Update. We tried
several things but it actually was quite simple. I only need to change a
file extension from "exe" to "old" and the file name was "verclsid".

Thanks again,


"BMC" wrote:

If Excel (and Word) have started hanging on FileSaveAs and FileOpen in the
last couple of days, this is because of a problem with a recently released
Hotfix. it diesn't affect all PCs in this way.

You can remove it from Add/Remove Programs, where it shows as "Security
Update for Windows XP (KB908531)". Make sure the "show updates" box at the
top is ticked or you won't see hotfixes in the list.

Don't uninstall if you aren't having this problem as it fixes a
vulnerability in Explorer.

"Anny" wrote:

I was using the spreadsheet last night and accidentally shut down the
computer while it was updating Windows. Not sure if there is anything that
has to do with it but can't seem to open a 2nd file after the application was
reopened this morning. Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Please
help!

Thanks.

"DGD41" wrote:

Both Word and Excel crash when I try to open a file from within the program.
As soon as I click on a folder, the programs hang. I remember setting a
condition for "hiding" my files when I created two additional user accounts.
I have been unable to find that option to turn it off (assuming it has
something to do with the problem). I reinstalled Office XP, but the problem
persists. I have no trouble opening a file if I go to the file first and
open it by double clicking it. Nor do I have any trouble opening a file in
the list of recent files. The only change in configuration that I can recall
is the aforementioned hidden files setting.
Intel Pentium 3.4, ASUS P5GD2-X, 2GB Mem, Windows XP Pro, Office Pro