File extension error with Excel files transferred to PC

[KelvinL]

I am syncing files with my PC (Documents to Go).  I noticed that Excel files that were accessible and functioning prior to the first week in September no longer work (interesting coincidence with the update to Gingerbread).  I get a "'file.xls', is in a different format than specified by the file extension" message when I try to open any files modified by the Droid after that date.  The same error occurs if I use the Sync tool or access the files from my PC using Windows Explorer.   The files work fine if I email them from the Droid to the PC or if they were modified PRIOR to the first week of September.  I also notice that picture files (jpg) after that date can not be opened but work fine via email to my PC.   The file extension names do NOT change and the same error occurs when I upload to another PC.   How can I fix this problem?  I can only back up my files by emailing them........

[Wildman]

Why dont you just connect device in Mass Storage mode and copy the files directly to the PC since the files appears nor ro be the issue if they work when emailed, I would say you have a issue with the sync software....  Try deleting the software and reinstalling, maybe something gor corrupted that cause this..

[breezex]

This could be a Documents-to-go problem or something they already have a solution for.  I went to the DataViz support forum to see if a similar problem had been reported and the forums are LOCKED.  Doesn't bode well when a vendor locks their peer to peer support forums.  I can think of several reasons for locking a forum and none good.

Email DataViz and ask them for a solution to your problem.

PS: I use Google Docs for spreadsheets and documents shared between my Droid 2 Global and PC.  Works well for me, but YMMV.

[KelvinL]

I submitted a similar email for help to DataViz last Friday with no response.   I am leaning towards the Droid OS as the cause because of the inability to use a Mass Storage mode and the timing of problem.  

-Mass Storage mode (using Windows Explorer) does not work.

-'Documents to Go' sync tool does not work

-email from Droid and opened on PC does work

-Mass Storage mode on another PC does not work

[KelvinL]

(testing update) 

DataViz responded with a couple of suggestions, here is my response:

Here are some additional tests I just completed which puts the cause back onto DataViz:

• I created a simple Excel file on my PC and saved it as an ‘.xls’ file. (test.xls)
• I synced it with my Droid and the file could be opened on my PC and the Droid. (I used both the Sync folder file and opening the file via Windows Explorer using the Mass Storage mode)
• I then opened the file on my Droid and saved it (no changes to the xls file were made) and then synced with my PC.  The error now occurred by both attempting to open the file in the PC ‘Docs to Go’ folder and via Windows Explorer. 
• I then emailed the same file.  I opened the email on my PC and saved the test.xls file.  It opened without errors.
• I did the test again using the latest Excel format ‘.xlsx’ with the same failure.
• I am running version 3.003 (961) Documents to Go

Bottom line; when Excel files are ‘saved’ on my Droid in Documents to Go, they can no longer be opened on my PC by either Sync or Windows Explorer.  The same file works fine if mailed from Documents to Go.  Documents to Go is corrupting the file in some way that prevents the transfer of that file to another device.

This still may be associated with the Droid OS upgrade, I am waiting for a response from DataViz...............

[breezex]

Could this be an XLS vs XLSX issue with wrong file extension being attached?  Older .xls files can be opened by all versions of Excel, but the newer .xlsx formats can only be opened by Excel 2007 and newer.

[KelvinL]

The Mass Storage mode you mentioned is what I referred to as "Windows Explorer".  Both the use of a sync tool AND the Mass Storage results in the same "file extension" error.   Only when I send the files in an email and open on my Droid do I get the files to open.