If you open your references and see a checkbox marked next to Excel 12.0, simply uncheck it. This error occurs because your code is looking for Office 2007, but your computer is running a newer version (e.g., Office 2016). Unchecking the broken reference is the first step to cleaning the project.
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Before doing anything, check your current system. You may already have multiple versions of the Excel library. microsoft office excel 12.0 object library download
The Microsoft Office Excel 12.0 Object Library is a COM (Component Object Model) library that provides a set of objects, properties, and methods for working with Excel. It allows developers to create custom applications, add-ins, and automation scripts that interact with Excel. The library is part of the Microsoft Office 2007 and later versions, and it is also available as a separate download.
A common confusion arises when users have Office 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365 installed, but their project asks for version 12.0. If you open your references and see a
for this library from Microsoft. The library is automatically installed as part of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite. If you are using a newer version of Office (e.g., 2013, 2016, or Microsoft 365), you will instead see a higher version number, such as 15.0 or 16.0. How to Enable the Library in Excel
| Excel Object Library Version | Corresponding Office Version | Typical File | |-----------------------------|------------------------------|---------------| | 12.0 | Office 2007 | C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\EXCEL.EXE | | 14.0 | Office 2010 | EXCEL.EXE | | 15.0 | Office 2013 | EXCEL.EXE | | 16.0 | Office 2016, 2019, 2021, 365 | EXCEL.EXE | These sites are not authorized by Microsoft
Dim xlApp As New Excel.Application
If you already have Excel 2007 installed but the library is not showing up, you can manually reference it: Microsoft Office 12 Object Library Download - Google Groups
Ensure Excel 2007 is installed and launch it at least once to complete first-run registration.