XL2000: Error Message: Excel Caused an IPF in Module Excel.exe

When you try to start Microsoft Excel 2000, you may receive an error message similar to the following: Excel does not start. If you try to start Excel in safe mode by using the /s startup switch, Excel starts without difficulty.

This issue may be caused by a corrupted Excel registry key, Excel.pip file, or by an incorrect file in the Xlstart folder.

To resolve this issue, use method 1. If method 1 is not successful, use method 2.

Method 1: Rename Excel Registry Key

To resolve this issue, you must rename the registry key for Excel. This forces Excel to generate a new key the next time that you start Excel. To do this, follow these steps.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In Registry Editor, locate the following subkey in the registry:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\9.0
4. Right-click the subkey, and then click Rename.
5. Type OldExcel, and then press ENTER.
6. In Registry Editor, locate the following subkey in the registry:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\9.0
7. Right-click the subkey, and then click Rename.
8. Type OldExcel, and then press ENTER.
9. Quit Registry Editor.
10. Start Excel.
    If the problem still occurs, go to method 2.

Method 2: Rename the Excel.pip File

Excel displays the most recently used menus and commands. Excel hides the unused commands in its expandable menus. Excel stores this usage data with menu animation settings in a file named Excel.pip. To rename the Excel.pip file, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Explorer.
2. Right-click the hard disk where Windows is installed, and then click Search.
3. In the All or part of the file name box, type Excel.pip, and then press Search.
4. Right-click Excel.pip in the Search Results pane, and then click Rename.
5. Type Oldexcel.pip, and then press ENTER.
6. Quit Search.
7. Quit Windows Explorer.
8. Start Excel.

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For more information about the Xlstart folder, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type xlstart in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topics returned.