---
title: “Action is only valid for programs that are currently installed” error message
description: "When trying to open a RealData program, you get a Microsoft Excel error message saying: \"Action is only valid for programs that are currently installed\" However, Excel works fine on your computer. Applies to Excel 2000 and later. This is…"
url: "https://www.realdata.com/docs/action-is-only-valid-for-programs-that-are-currently-installed-error-message/"
updated: "2024-06-06"
category: General
---

# “Action is only valid for programs that are currently installed” error message

When trying to open a RealData program, you get a Microsoft Excel error message saying: "Action is only valid for programs that are currently installed" However, Excel works fine on your computer. Applies to Excel 2000 and later.

This is a documented Microsoft Excel / Office issue. Customers have successfully solved this problem by reinstalling Excel.

At least one of our customers was able to resolve this by initiating a "Repair Install" using the following procedure.  Note that this works in Windows 10 with Excel 2010 but will likely work with other operating systems and recent versions of Excel.

- Open Control Panel
- Click on Programs
- Click on Uninstall a Program
- Highlight Microsoft Excel in the list.
- In the gray bar at the top of the list, click on "Change"
- A window appears entitled "Change your Installation of Microsoft Excel" with four radio buttons.  Select the "Repair" option.
- Follow the instructions in subsequent windows.
- If you are given an option between a "Quick" and a "Full" repair, try the quick option first.

 CAUTION! Selecting the wrong option can UNINSTALL Excel.