What's new on ASAP Utilities

Excel 2016 Users: MS KB5002653 Breaks Opening Add-Ins

Update: Microsoft has released an update to fix this issue

Microsoft update KB4484305 fixes an issue in which Excel add-ins that were enabled the last time that you used Excel might not load correctly when you open Excel.

• November 19, 2024, update for Excel 2016 (KB4484305)

A recent Microsoft update for Excel 2016, KB5002653, has introduced a bug that affects users of Excel add-ins, including ASAP Utilities. After installing the update, Excel 2016 users may encounter an error where Excel fails to load add-ins. Specifically, the error message states that it "couldn't find" the XLAM file, with the drive letter missing from the path:

Error: Sorry, we couldn't find :\Program Files\ASAP Utilities\ASAP Utilities.xlam. Is it possible it was moved, renamed, or deleted?

What's Happening?

This issue, confirmed as a bug in the KB5002653 update released on November 12, 2024, prevents Excel 2016 from correctly recognizing XLAM add-ins that were previously enabled. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and updated their release notes to include additional details, but no permanent fix is available yet.

Temporary Workarounds

Until Microsoft provides a solution, affected Excel 2016 users can try the following:

• Uninstall KB5002653: This will restore Excel's functionality with add-ins.
• Manually Load the Add-In: Open the add-in by double-clicking its file or selecting File > Open within Excel.

Official Microsoft Resources

For more information, see the following:

• Microsoft Answers Forum
• Microsoft Tech Community Discussion
• Reddit SysAdmin Thread

You can also review the official update notes from Microsoft:

• Description of the Security Update for Excel 2016: November 12, 2024 (KB5002653)

Stay Updated

We are closely monitoring this situation and will update this article as new information becomes available. If you're experiencing issues, we recommend applying the temporary solutions above and checking back for updates.

ASAP Utilities Nominated for BEST Excel Add-in – Your Vote Matters!

ASAP Utilities Nominated for Global Excel Summit Awards – Support Us by Submitting a Nomination

We are thrilled to announce that ASAP Utilities has been nominated in the Best Microsoft Excel Add-in category at the prestigious Global Excel Summit Awards. This recognition celebrates the impact our toolset has made in helping Excel users worldwide work more efficiently and effectively.

If ASAP Utilities has made a positive difference in your work, we invite you to show your support by nominating us. Categories include Rising Star, Best Microsoft Excel Add-in, and Most Innovative Use of Excel.

Nominations close on November 3, and each submission brings us one step closer to the finals. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us continue to make a difference in the Excel community.

Submit your nomination here: https://globalexcelsummit.com/global-excel-awards

Thank you for helping us make Excel a more powerful, user-friendly tool for everyone!

With great enthusiasm,
The ASAP Utilities Team

Get the Latest: Version 8.6 Now Available!

Our latest ASAP Utilities update is here!

Version 8.6 introduces the handy Date Picker/Calendar pop-up, which simplifies selecting and inserting dates into your worksheet, enhancing your Excel experience.

Major benefits of using our Date Picker compared to entering dates manually:

1. Accuracy: Our date picker ensures precise date selection, minimizing the risk of input errors commonly associated with manual entry.
2. Efficiency: By providing an intuitive interface, our date picker simplifies the process of choosing dates, reducing the time and effort required compared to manual input.
3. Calendar Visualization: Our date picker displays a visual calendar, allowing users to quickly identify and select dates, improving overall user experience and productivity.

Check out the full details or proceed to the download page.

The update also fixes minor issues and enhances overall functionality.

Version 8.6 is compatible with Excel 365 Desktop, Excel 2024 (preview), and earlier versions down to Excel 2010. Users with licenses purchased in 2016 or later can upgrade for free.

As always, we're all about helping you work smarter, not harder. We encourage you to update and enjoy these new improvements. Thank you for trusting us for over two decades, and here's to many more years of streamlined productivity!

Warm regards,
The ASAP Utilities Team

Get Early Access to ASAP Utilities Version 8.6!

The pre-release for our latest ASAP Utilities update is here!

Version 8.6 introduces the handy Date Picker/Calendar pop-up, which simplifies selecting and inserting dates into your spreadsheet, enhancing your Excel experience.

Check out the full details, download and help shape the final version by visiting our pre-release information page.

Major benefits of using our Date Picker compared to entering dates manually:

1. Accuracy: Our date picker ensures precise date selection, minimizing the risk of input errors commonly associated with manual entry.
2. Efficiency: By providing an intuitive interface, our date picker simplifies the process of choosing dates, reducing the time and effort required compared to manual input.
3. Calendar Visualization: Our date picker displays a visual calendar, allowing users to quickly identify and select dates, improving overall user experience and productivity.

New Version 8.5 - More Time Every Day, Not Just Leap Year

Exciting news!

We're launching version 8.5 of ASAP Utilities on the most magical day of the year - February 29th!
Just like this leap day gives you an extra 24 hours, our Excel add-in gifts you extra time all year round.

Enjoy the extra time, today and every day. Happy February 29th!

Best wishes,
The ASAP Utilities Team