Hi and welcomed,

My name is XXXX. X will assist you with this issue.

First, is your computer using Windows XP Vista or 7?

Please go to Computer or My Computer. Go to C:

Go to Program Files

Then Microsoft Office

Go to Office 14

In this Office14 folder, look for Excel.exe

Thanks

Please go to Computer

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14

RIGHT CLICK on EXCEL.exe and select Properties

Select Compatibility tab

Check the box "Run this program as administrator"

Click OK and close it.

Then try to run Excel again

See if you have the same error

Thanks

Do you have an Excel shortcut on desktop?

If yes, RIGHT CLICK on that shortcut and select Properties

Go to Shortcut tab and click Open File Location

Did you find the excel.exe file?

Then how do open Excel starter?

Do you have a shortcut to open or another program?

Please go to START->All Programs->Microsoft Office

Do you see Word Excel Powerpoint there?

So basically you have a starter version that is not activated

Please hold on

So if you go to All Programs->Microsoft Office -> Excel

It asks you to active or purchase key?

When you buy the computer, did the seller give you any key for MS Office?

If not, probably it came with the STARTER but needs to be activated

This is how Microsoft sell their Office products on new computers

That is probably the reason why it is not working

You are some options at this point

Buy from Microsoft

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/buy/

Buy from Ebay

Call or go to a computer repair shop and ask them to see if they can install Office for you

usually they have bundle price

That's great!

Your local computer repair shop might be able to install Professional Version at a very discount price

just ask them

Please make sure to call a few places to compare prices

You are welcomed

Please rate my answer so I can get credit.

Have a very great day!

Cheers