Workbook_Open() fails unless much-used workbook name changed

I have a workbook in the XLSTART folder where I keep personal macros. I've used it daily for over 2 years but recently it stopped auto-loading. Also, if I loaded it manually, it reported an error in code that used to run fine. I tried the wonderful CodeCleaner but that had no effect. Finally I discovered that the name of the spreadsheet was compromised in some way. If I rename it from extension.xls to extension1.xls, then the problem goes away.

Has anyone seen anything like this before. Is there a record of "extension.xls" somewhere that has become corrupted and which I can wipe out?

Thanks,

Chris

Check that you don't have an alternate startup location specified as well:

Tools> Options> General> At startup, open all files in:

What happens if you delete the workbook (take a copy first) and open Excel?

Thanks for taking an interest.

The alternate location "At startup, open all files in" is blank.

If I delete the workbook with the "bad" filename, then Excel opens normally without autoloading the workbook.

I'm using Excel 2003 and Windows XP. I tried un-installing and re-installing Excel, but it made no difference !

Of course, I have a workaround - just rename "extension.xls" as "extension_renamed.xls" and all is well. Incidentally, in experimenting, I managed to get another name - "extension2.xls" - onto Excel's black list.

Very strange.