Applies to: @RISK and all other DTS add-ins for Excel, all releases

@RISK (DecisionTools) Not Launching in Excel

If double-clicking the desktop icon for @RISK, StatTools, PrecisionTree, or other DecisionTools Suite (DTS) apps seems to do nothing—showing only “initializing Microsoft Excel”—it may be due to one of several causes.

 

A. Excel running but not visible
@RISK attaches to an open Excel instance. If Excel is minimized, hidden, or multiple copies are open, @RISK may attach to a background copy, making it appear unresponsive. Check the taskbar and bring all Excel windows to the foreground. Use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to end hidden Excel processes, then relaunch @RISK.

 

B. Disabled add-in (Excel 2007 and newer)
If Excel crashes while loading a DTS add-in, it may disable the add-in. Check File → Options → Add-Ins. Review active, inactive, and disabled add-ins. Re-enable any disabled DTS add-ins via the Manage: Disabled Add-Ins → Go → Enable button. Launch @RISK via the desktop icon or Start Menu DecisionTools group.

 

C. Antivirus interference
Some antivirus programs may falsely flag DTS files (e.g., Risk.exe) as malware. Ensure your antivirus is updated, whitelist DTS files, and restore from quarantine if needed. If files were deleted, reinstall DTS and allow exceptions during prompts. Report false positives to Lumivero with product/version info, affected files, and screenshots via the DTS Support Form with the subject “Antivirus False Positive.”

 

D. Policy settings
Windows group policies set by IT may block DTS from adding tabs to Excel.

 

E. Microsoft Office 2016
Older versions of Office 2016 (RTM and earlier) may prevent @RISK from running correctly. Updating Office to the latest version often resolves the issue.

 

 

Related Articles:

@RISK Initializes, But No Tab Appears in Ribbon

@RISK Creates Empty Add-Ins Tab in Ribbon