To prevent Internet Explorer from opening Microsoft Excel files, follow the steps below for your version of Windows.

Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP

  • Open the Control Panel
  • Open Folder Options
  • Click File types
  • Locate “XLS Microsoft Excel Worksheet”. You can also scroll to items beginning with ‘X’ by pressing the ‘X’ key on the keyboard.
  • Click the Advanced button.
  • Highlight the default action (often Open), which is bold.
  • Check the box for “Confirm open after download”.
  • If “Browse in the same window” is checked, uncheck it.
  • Click OK.

Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows ME

  • Open My Computer
  • Click the View drop-down menu and select Folder Options.
  • Click the File types tab.
  • In the Registered file types box, choose the icon for Microsoft Excel Worksheet.
  • In the new window, check the box for Confirm open after download.
  • Click OK.
  • Microsoft Excel help and support.
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer help and support.
  • See our Excel and Internet Explorer definitions for further information and related links.