How to stop Internet Explorer from opening Excel files

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

Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Open Folder Options
3. Click File types
4. Locate "XLS Microsoft Excel Worksheet". You can also scroll to items beginning with 'X' by pressing the 'X' key on the keyboard.
5. Click the Advanced button.
6. Highlight the default action (often Open), which is bold.
7. Check the box for "Confirm open after download".
8. If "Browse in the same window" is checked, uncheck it.
9. Click OK.

Microsoft Windows 98 and Windows Me

1. Open My Computer
2. Click the View drop-down menu and select Folder Options.
3. Click the File types tab.
4. In the Registered file types box, choose the icon for Microsoft Excel Worksheet.
5. In the new window, check the box for Confirm open after download.
6. Click OK.