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97

answers:

3

I have an excel add-in that keeps coming back when I start excel, even though I've removed it from the last open instance of excel (yes I checked the processes in task manager).

The critter even shows up when I start excel in safe mode.

Anybody else had this?

+1  A: 

1) Did you check C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Microsoft\AddIns and see if the file is there? If it is, you could delete it from there.

2) Try these steps:

• Try searching your C drive for all .xla or .xlam files and see if you can find the one that looks like the add-in you're trying to delete.

• If you find it, delete it (let it go to recycle bin though just in case something goes wrong and you want to get it back quickly).

• Once you delete it, start Excel. You may get message about add-in being missing, and if so say yes when prompted if you want to remove add-in from list.

• If not prompted, go to tools add-ins and check the box for the add-in you are trying to delete. Excel won't be able to find it, then it should prompt you as to whether you want to remove it from list. Say yes.

dcp
this folder is empty on my machine..
Nick
See my latest edited response for some other steps to try.
dcp
+2  A: 

Perhaps the add-in file is sitting in the Excel startup directory?

Tools -> Options -> General -> 'At startup, open all files in'

As well as the entry in this setting, Excel may also be implictly loading the add-in from folders such as

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office*Version*\Xlstart

C:\Documents and Settings\*User name*\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART

Any folder named 'xlstart' is a candidate - perhaps it's worth searching your C drive for such folders and/or the actual name of the add-in file.

Also, check the registry for Excel OPEN entries. Start -> Run -> regedit -> HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\*version*\Excel\Options. Look for any values named OPEN*x*.

AdamRalph
nothing in the 'At startup, open all files in' box, or xlStart folder (other than personal.xls)
Nick
perhaps try the registry - I've edited my answer to include the registry check
AdamRalph
+1 found some culprits in there too! I'll be using that key again
Nick
A: 

I found there was a process spawning the addin, and somehow managed to break it. Excel offered for me to disable it, and told me I could find it in Help > About > Disabled items if I wanted to reinstate it.

Nick