"The program used to create this object is Excel" error when opening Word document, when Controller COM add-in is enabled, caused by limitation APAR PI89783

Troubleshooting

Problem

User opens Word document. User double-clicks on an Excel table that has been 'embedded' inside Word. An error appears.

Symptom

Steps to reproduce:
1. Launch Word
2. Click "Insert - Object"
3. Choose 'Microsoft Excel Worksheet'
4. Click OK
5. Double-click on the table (that appears in Word)

Notice how it successfully opens in Excel:

6. Save this file (for example as 'TEST.DOCX')
7. Close Word
8. Double-click on file 'TEST.DOCX' (to open in Word)
9. Double-click on the table (embedded in Word).

An error appears.

Error message:
Depending on the environment, slightly different errors may appear:

Example #1

The program used to create this object is Excel. That program is either not installed on your computer or it is not responding. To edit this object, install Excel or ensure that any dialog boxes in Excel are closed.

Example #2

Microsoft Word
The server application, source file, or item cannot be found.

Make sure the application is properly installed, and that it has not been deleted, moved, renamed, or blocked by policy.

Example #3
Nothing happens:

[{"Line of Business":{"code":"LOB76","label":"Data Platform"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU048","label":"IBM Software"},"Product":{"code":"SS9S6B","label":"IBM Cognos Controller"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m0z000000bpIoAAI","label":"Excel"}],"ARM Case Number":"TS003265614","Platform":[{"code":"PF033","label":"Windows"}],"Version":"All Version(s)"},{"Product":{"code":"SSMRTZ","label":"IBM Cognos Controller on Cloud"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU048","label":"IBM Software"},"Component":" ","Platform":[{"code":"","label":""}],"Version":"","Edition":"","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB76","label":"Data Platform"}}]

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Document Information

More support for:
IBM Cognos Controller

Component:
Excel

Software version:
All Version(s)

Operating system(s):
Windows

Document number:
553957

Modified date:
08 May 2025

UID

swg21991950

IBM Support

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