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Error 'The Excel-link is not installed' when using customised (non-default / non-full) installation of Microsoft Excel on client device

Troubleshooting


Problem

User launches Controller. User clicks on 'Excel' shortcut icon (on menu bar). User receives error message. In addition, if the user launches Excel, there is no 'Controller' Add-in located on the Microsoft Excel menu bar.

Symptom

The Excel-link is not installed

Cause

There are many different potential causes for this error message.

  • TIP: For a list of many other potential causes, see separate IBM Technote #1396195.

This specific IBM Technote deals with the scenario where the problem is caused by some required third-party (Microsoft) prerequisites are not available on the client device.
  • Specifically, the Microsoft Office/Excel installation has been a restricted/cut-down/non-default installation, where some of the (required/necessary) 'standard' features/options (such as ".NET Programmability Support") have not been installed.

TIP: In addition, it has been seen that the same problem occurs when the client device has a mixture of Office versions installed. For example, the client device has Office 2003 components (Word, Outlook etc.) installed as well as Office 2007 (Excel).

Resolving The Problem

Ensure that the required subcomponents of 'Office Shared Features' and 'Office Tools' are ticked/installed/enabled inside the Microsoft Office installation routine.

Steps:

  • Method #1 - Modify/change the existing MS Office installation

Assuming that only one version of MS Office is installed, then:
  1. Launch Control Panel
  2. Open 'Add or Remove Programs'
  3. Highlight Microsoft Office 200x
  4. Click 'Change'
  5. Inside the section 'Installation Options' ensure that the required sub-components for 'Office Shared Features' and 'Office Tools' are ticked/enabled/installed.

TIP: If you are unsure which components should be installed, simply install *all* subcomponents.

  • Method #2 - Perform an uninstall/re-install of MS Office

Alternatively, you can uninstall the current MS Office completely, and then install the MS Office from scratch (making sure you choose all the relevant components during the install wizard).

For example, when installing MS Office 2010 32-bit (64-bit is not supported!) here are the options that the author typically chooses:


cid:_1_0A8E1D6C0A8E1A7C0038C244802579CF

...then deselect any unwanted programs, such as:
cid:_1_0A8E32FC0A8E2EA40038C244802579CF

APPENDIX: If you have two versions of MS Office installed:

This is officially unsupported by IBM. Therefore, please remove one of these. For example, if you had Office 2003 and Office 2007 then:

  1. Uninstall Microsoft Office 2007 from client PC
  2. Uninstall Microsoft Office 2003 from client PC
  3. Install a FULL installation (please choose ALL the optional components for ALL the subcomponents) of Office 2007
  4. Afterwards, install Office 2007 Service Pack 2
  5. Afterwards, install the hotfix 'office2007sp2-kb953195-fullfile-en-us.exe '
TIP: For more information on why you MUST install these service packs / hotfixes, see separate IBM Technote #1394945.

[{"Product":{"code":"SS9S6B","label":"IBM Cognos Controller"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU059","label":"IBM Software w\/o TPS"},"Component":"Controller","Platform":[{"code":"PF033","label":"Windows"}],"Version":"8.5.1;8.5;8.4;8.3;10.1","Edition":"Not Applicable","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB10","label":"Data and AI"}}]

Document Information

Modified date:
15 June 2018

UID

swg21398023

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