
Dear @Xmpekr,
Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Community
Your situation is particularly challenging because the files are on a file server, which introduces network-related complexities. You've already performed most of the standard troubleshooting steps, which is great. Since the issue is intermittent and seems to happen only with this specific file and its dependencies, it's very likely a combination of the file's complexity and a network-related conflict.
Here are some suggestions and ideas to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the problem once and for all:
Complex files with numerous formulas and external links can become corrupted over time. Even if the file opens, a specific operation like saving might expose a hidden corruption.
- Perform a "Save As": Instead of just pressing Ctrl + S, use File > Save As and save the file with a new name. This forces Excel to create a completely new file and can sometimes eliminate minor corruption.
- Use Excel's Built-in Repair Feature:
- Open Excel without a file.
- Go to File > Open > Browse.
- Navigate to your file, but do not open it.
- Click the arrow next to the "Open" button and select Open and Repair.
The file's complexity is a significant factor. While your hardware is excellent, a poorly structured workbook can still overwhelm Excel.
- Convert to Binary Workbook (.xlsb): The standard .xlsx format is based on XML, which can be slow for large, complex files. The .xlsb format is a binary format that is often more stable and efficient, leading to faster saves and smaller file sizes.
- To do this, go to File > Save As and choose Excel Binary Workbook (*.xlsb) from the dropdown list.
- Simplify Formulas and Links: Try to isolate whether the crash is caused by a specific data connection.
- Break External Links: In a copy of the file, go to Data > Queries & Connections > Edit Links and try breaking the links to see if the crash still occurs. This helps isolate the issue.
- Consolidate Data: If possible, consider consolidating data from multiple files using Power Query to reduce the number of live external links, which are a common source of instability.
- Check for Volatile Functions: Very long or volatile formulas (like INDIRECT or OFFSET) can be particularly demanding during a save operation.
Advanced Troubleshooting
Since you've already tried most of the standard fixes, these are more advanced options.
- Excel Safe Mode: While you've disabled add-ins, running Excel in Safe Mode (excel.exe /safe from the Run command) will open it with a minimal set of features and can help isolate the issue further by bypassing any add-ins, settings, or startup workbooks.
- Check the Event Viewer for More Details: Although the error report is generic, sometimes you can get more specific details. Look for the "Faulting module name" within the crash details, as this could point to a specific driver or DLL file that is causing the problem.
- Check for Network Drops: Have an IT admin check for any intermittent network drops or high latency between your computer and the file server. A small drop can be enough to interrupt the save process.
I hope this information helps clarify the situation and provides you with workable solutions. Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always here to help. Have a wonderful day!
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