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“Action is only valid for programs that are currently installed” error message

When trying to open a RealData program, you get a Microsoft Excel error message saying: “Action is only valid for programs that are currently installed” However, Excel works fine on your computer. Applies to Excel 2000 and later.

This is a documented Microsoft Excel / Office issue. Customers have successfully solved this problem by reinstalling Excel.

At least one of our customers was able to resolve this by initiating a “Repair Install” using the following procedure.  Note that this works in Windows 10 with Excel 2010 but will likely work with other operating systems and recent versions of Excel.

  • Open Control Panel
  • Click on Programs
  • Click on Uninstall a Program
  • Highlight Microsoft Excel in the list.
  • In the gray bar at the top of the list, click on “Change”
  • A window appears entitled “Change your Installation of Microsoft Excel” with four radio buttons.  Select the “Repair” option.
  • Follow the instructions in subsequent windows.
  • If you are given an option between a “Quick” and a “Full” repair, try the quick option first.
CAUTION! Selecting the wrong option can UNINSTALL Excel.