XLSB File Extension

What is XLSB file?

Documents in the XLSB format are binary files of a spreadsheet , generated by the Microsoft Excel 2007 program or newer. XLSB files contain data of a spreadsheet, which is a collection of cells based on the structure of columns and lines. The cells may contain text, images, charts, macros or formulas.

Creation of XLSB format

XLSB is a new format introduced along with Microsoft Excel 2007, which substitutes the previous, less efficient version – the XLS format. The new format is supposed to facilitate working with spreadsheets. It may be opened also by versions of Microsoft Excel older than 2007, howere certain problems may occur in such cases, like loss of certain functionalities.

XLSB vs XLSX

XLSX files are based on the XML structure and compressed using the ZIP compression method, and the XLSB files are uncompressed binary files. XLSB files contain data in a binary format, not XML, the processes of reading and storing takes much less time which is important especially in case of working with very large documents. Another advantage of the XLSB format is providing support for longer formulas, because it supports formulas longer than 8192 signs.

Note

XLSB files may contain macros which are scripts which will be executed on the device of person who will open the file. Therefore they are often used by Internet criminals. Special caution should be maintained while opening XLSB files received from unknown sources, so that our PC remain not infected with any viruses.

Programs which support XLSB file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open XLSB files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with XLSB extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 10/26/2019

How to open file with XLSB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening XLSB files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with XLSB files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Excel

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports XLSB files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Excel or different compatible program, such as Apache OpenOffice, Microsoft Works, Office 365. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Excel website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Excel and update if needed

If you already have Microsoft Excel installed on your systems and XLSB files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Microsoft Excel cannot handle files with XLSB may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Microsoft Excel is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Excel Binary Spreadsheet files with Microsoft Excel

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate XLSB files with latest version of Microsoft Excel you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the XLSB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Excel installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open XLSB files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with XLSB extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with XLSB extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the XLSB is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the XLSB file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the XLSB in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the XLSB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the XLSB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the XLSB file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the XLSB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the XLSB file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Excel

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support XLSB files. Close all running programs and try opening the XLSB file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Excel Binary Spreadsheet files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with XLSB files affecting older versions of given software.

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