Error inserting object in Excel on Mac and Windows [SOLVED]

Adding objects to an Excel file is a great way to make the content more comprehensive and visual. However, many users report encountering the issue of unable to insert object in Excel when they try to insert an Object (OLE) or add content like PDFs or Microsoft documents to a worksheet. This is also common when using ActiveX controls in your Excel spreadsheet. This error might occur when the object you intend to insert is corrupted or the file itself is damaged. This article from MiniTool will help you find effective ways to fix this error.

Fix 1: Address issue with inserting objects in Excel due to corrupted documents

It's possible that your Excel files are corrupted and can't be modified in any way. If Excel is unable to insert objects, it could be due to a corrupted Excel file. In such cases, document repair tools like Fixo Document Repair can come in handy.

Aside from the issue we're discussing, this tool can also fix other Excel errors like Excel cannot paste data, Excel unable to open file, or runtime error in Excel. Apart from Excel files, this all-in-one document repair tool can also help you effectively and easily deal with corrupted Office files from Microsoft Office 2019/ 2016/ 2013/ 2010/ 2007.

Some of its other features include the ability to:

• Repairs corrupted XLS and XLSX files quickly and securely, ensuring your data is protected.
• It's also an excellent Word repair tool that addresses blank content issues in recovered Word and DOC files.
• Aside from Office files, it can also resolve PDF errors like opening 0kb PDF files and issues with unopenable PDFs.

Here's how to repair a corrupted Excel file using the Fixo Document Repair tool:

✨Step 1. Download, Install, and Launch the Fixo Document Repair Tool

You can download this repair tool via our provided download button or other official channels. After installation, double-click the Fixo icon to launch it. Click "File Repair" > "Add File" to select and fix corrupted Word, Excel, PDF, and other documents.

✨ Step 2. Repair the corrupted document now

After adding the documents, click Repair to fix that specific document, or select Repair All to fix all the files in the list at once.

✨Step 3: Preview and Save the Repaired Document

Now that the document is prepared, you can save it. You can also click the “eye” icon to preview the file. After clicking “Save All,” look for the repaired files by selecting “View Repair” in the pop-up window.

If you found a solution in this thread and fixed the error, consider sharing this post on your social media or forums like Reddit to help more users:

Fix 2: Check the File Size

You can check the file size to see if it is too large for the process to handle, thus causing this error message.

Step 1: Right-click the Excel file.

Step 2: Select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: A new window will display the file's size. If it's too big, you may want to try compressing it using a third-party tool.

Check the file size

Solution 3: Check Excel File Block Settings

You can check if an Excel file is blocked to confirm that the file is not damaged. Here's how to examine the restrictive safety settings:

Step 1: Click the "File" menu, then go to "Options" > "Trust Center."

Step 2: Click Trust Center Settings, and then click File Block Settings in the left pane.

Step 3: Find the file type you want to disable, and uncheck "Open" and "Save." Click "OK" to save your changes.

Fix 4: Check memory usage

If you have low system memory, you won't be able to insert objects. So, it's best to check your memory usage and close any unnecessary programs running in the background before attempting to insert a file. This method also applies to fixing issues with non-working Excel hyperlinks. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. When the screen goes black, select “Task Manager.”

Step 2: Click on the "Processes" tab and look for any unnecessary processes.

Step 3: Right-click on the programs you don't need and select "End task."

Now restart Excel to see if the problem is fixed.

Fix 5: Check and change Excel ActiveX settings

ActiveX Controls are components developed by Microsoft to help applications perform specific tasks. If your Excel file contains controls, macros, or other interactive buttons, check if ActiveX is enabled, as this could be a significant cause of the object insertion error. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Excel and click on "File."

Step 2: Click on "Options," and then select the "Trust Center" tab.

Step 3: Choose ActiveX Settings in the Trust Center settings.

Step 4: Make sure that the checkbox for Allow programs to use the accessibility features without asking is checked.

Fix 6: Repair Excel Workbook

The "Cannot Insert Object" error may occur when the file you're trying to insert is corrupted, or your target file has become damaged. You can use the built-in "Open and Repair" tool in MS Excel. This method is also applicable if your Excel file keeps closing automatically. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the "File" tab and select "Open."

Step 2: Click on "Browse" to select the damaged file.

Step 3: Click the arrow next to the Open button, and then click Open and Repair. Choose Repair.

When the process is finished, you'll see a message that says, "Excel completed file validation and repair. Some data may have been lost." Click "Close" to proceed. You can also use these steps to fix issues with Microsoft Office not working.

Fix 7: Uninstall Microsoft Office Updates

If you have recently installed an update for MS Office, you might encounter this error due to some issues with the installed update. To resolve this, you can take the simplest approach – uninstall the recently installed update. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Locate the Control Panel and go to Programs > Programs and Features.

Step 2: Search for “View installed updates” and click on Office Updates.

Step 3: Right-click on it and select “Uninstall.” Now, wait for the process to finish, and then restart your file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on "Unable to Insert Object in Excel"

We have three FAQ sections that are designed to help you with any issues you might encounter.

1. How do I enable the Insert Object feature in Excel?

Go to the "Insert" tab, and click "Object" in the "Text" group. Now, browse and select the file you want to insert. If you want an icon, check the "Display as Icon" option.

2. Why is my insertion operation not working in Excel?

Your Excel file or the file you're trying to insert might be corrupted, damaged, or incomplete. If the file is available online, try downloading it again and then insert it. Alternatively, you can use a file repair tool, such as Fixo File Repair, to assist in the recovery process.

How do I fix embedded objects in Excel?

Right-click the embedded object and select "Edit" or "Edit Object." Click "Change" or "Change Source" in the "Edit Object" dialog box. Find the file on your computer, then click "OK."

Bottom line

In this article, we've looked at seven possible solutions to fix the issue of not being able to insert objects in Excel, in order from the easiest to the most complex. If you have the time, you can try them one by one. However, if you want to effectively repair a corrupted document, it's recommended that you use a document repair tool like Fixo Document Repair. Download it now.