KB1004

Optimizing Excel settings to resolve display issues when using Axiom Software

Summary

After updating Microsoft Excel to version 2013, 2016, or Office 365, you may experience display issues when using the Axiom Excel Client. Items such as Axiom Software task panes, ribbons, and file tabs may be floating or detached from the main window.

Details

If you experience strange rendering issues or system instability (such as out-of-memory or HRESULT errors) when using the Axiom Excel Client, it usually indicates that the graphic processing unit (GPU) on your computer is unable to keep up with the demands of Microsoft Excel. Although this issue is unrelated to Axiom Software, it becomes apparent when launching the Axiom Excel Client. This issue can occur after upgrading an older version of Excel to a newer version such as Excel 2013, 2016, or Office 365 (which may also involve an operating system update).

The following screenshot shows an example system affected by this display issue. In this example, the Axiom task panes are detached or floating, and the file tabs are missing.

Example display issues in Microsoft Excel

Microsoft provides various settings that can be used to improve the stability of Excel. Addressing these general system settings typically resolves these display issues.

Resolution

The Axiom Windows Client is strongly recommended for end users since it is optimized for stability and performance. Any end users experiencing these issues with Excel may simply switch to using the Axiom Windows Client.

If use of the Axiom Excel Client is necessary, then use the following list of troubleshooting steps. Some steps may require the assistance of your Information Technology department.

IMPORTANT: Computers running Windows 10 Version 1709 typically encounter this issue when using high definition displays, which can be resolved by installing an update. Please refer to Microsoft’s support article for details. Contact your local Information Technology department to apply any necessary Windows updates.

1. Evaluate compatibility of the client machine with Excel 2013/2016/365. Carefully read and follow this advice from Microsoft.
2. Certain Excel workbooks may perform better in Excel compatibility mode. To enable this mode:
   • Close Axiom Software and then open Excel independently.
   • Click File > Options.

   • On the General tab, look at the User Interface options section. If you see the option When using multiple displays, select Optimize for compatibility.

3. If the Excel installation is 32-bit, convert to Excel 64-bit, which can manage more memory.
4. Update the Excel installation to the latest available patch.
5. Update the hardware graphic drivers on the computer to the latest version.
6. Disable unnecessary animation on the computer:
   • Click Start > Control Panel.
   • Click Ease of Access Center, then click Use the computer without a display.
   • Select Turn off all unnecessary animations (when possible).

7. Adjust Windows visual effects for best performance (this will make everything on the machine much faster, but less attractive). For example, in Windows 7:

   • Click Start > Control Panel.
   • Click Performance Information and Tools, then click Adjust visual effects.
   • On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance.

   The specific steps to enable this option vary depending on your Windows version.

Outcome

Once the troubleshooting steps have been performed, you should no longer have the display issue with floating or detached items in the Axiom Excel Client.

See also

• About Axiom client applications
• Documents and downloads (Using Excel with Axiom, Client Technical Requirements)

Article information

Category	General
Applies To	All versions
Tags	Excel Client, Floating Task Panes, Detached Task Panes, Display Issues
Issue Number(s)	N/A