Important Update: RealData discontinued new software sales on April 30, 2026. Existing software will continue to work, and licensed users should download and save their installers, as technical support will end on May 30, 2026.

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“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.