Applies to: All DTS products running as add-ins to Excel 2007 and Up.

 

Excel Version

1. First make sure you don't have an outdated or unstable version of Excel.
   • Please check Microsoft's site to make sure you aren't missing a new Service Pack.

 

Troubleshooting DTS Startup Conflicts

 

Issue: DTS software fails or conflicts on startup due to Excel add-ins or startup files.

1. Check Excel Version

• Ensure Excel is up-to-date with the latest Service Pack from Microsoft.

2. Disable Start Screen (Excel 2013/2016)

• File → Options → General → uncheck “Show the Start screen when this application starts”.

• Close Excel and reopen DTS.

3. Disable Conflicting Add-ins

1. Excel Add-ins:

   • File → Options → Add-Ins → Manage: Excel Add-ins → Go → uncheck third-party add-ins.

2. COM Add-ins:

   • Manage: COM Add-ins → Go → uncheck third-party add-ins.

   • Note: Some COM add-ins may auto-re-enable; check on restart.

4. Clear Automatic Startup Files

• File → Options → Advanced → General → clear “At startup, open all files in”.

• Empty all XLSTART folders.

• Test DTS.

• If resolved, restore files one-by-one to identify conflicts.

5. Registry Conflicts (if Excel won’t start)

• Run REGEDIT.

• Backup keys before editing.

• Navigate to:

  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Excel\Addins
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Office\Excel\Addins
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Office\Excel\Addins
  

• Change LoadBehavior of non-DTS add-ins from 3 → 0 or delete entries to disable.

• Backup all deleted keys for restoration if needed.

6. Restore

• After resolving conflicts, restore safe XLSTART files and registry entries as needed.

 

 

Related Article:

Opening DTS Software Automatically Whenever Excel Opens