Thanks

the file was a 2007 file - when i save it as a 2003 the macro worked.
thanks for your help

"jasontferrell" wrote:

Change you code to add a msgbox that will display while running. Then
check the filename. You could've duplicated the "xls".

sub open_files()
dim fname
With ActiveWorkbook
fname = "c:\documents\" & .worksheets("Menu").range("D5").value &
".xls"
msgbox fname
Workbooks.Open Filename:= fname
End With
End Sub