To open this workbook, your computer must be running a supported version of Microsoft Office_application and a browser that supports opening files directly from the Office Web Apps

Ever came across the issue "To open this workbook, your computer must be running a supported version of Microsoft Office_application and a browser that supports opening files directly from the Office Web Apps" and wondered what might be causing it? Well I did. Running MS Office 2013 and SharePoint 2010 server.


Struggled to resolve it, went through all possible solutions I could find on the internet without success. Then it hit me at some point, I was sober I guess.


32/64 bit?? How can this be a problem I asked myself since the error referred to compatibility?


Troubleshoot and Solution:


First thing I did was to check the versions of IE, Windows OS and Office installed. I had the following installed:


MS Office 64 bit
IE 32 and 64 bit
SharePoint Server 2010 enterprise


If you have a MS Office 32 bit, then use a 32 bit of IE to open the Web app, when you have installed a 64 bit Office then open the web apps with a a 64 Bit version of IE. Problem solved.


Ta!