Resolving the Visual Styles Error

Applies To

Windows Operating System

• Windows 7

Microsoft Office System

• Office 365
• Office 2016
• Office 2013

Symptom

When trying to run a ForecastX Wizard report, you may receive a .NET Framework error with the following error message:

“Unhandled exception has occurred in your application. If you click Continue, the application will ignore this error and attempt to continue. If you click Quit, the application will close immediately.
Visual Styles-related operation resulted in an error because visual styles are currently disabled in the client area.”

Solution

1. Right-click on Computer from the Start menu. 
2. Select Properties.
3. Click Advanced system settings in the right-hand pane.
4. In the System Properties window, click the Advanced tab. 
5. Click Settings in the Performance section.
6. On the Visual Effects tab of the Performance Options window, scroll to the bottom and disable the Use visual styles on windows and buttons option.
7. Close and re-open Excel and run a test forecast.
8. If the Use visual styles on windows and buttons option was previously disabled, enable the option, close and re-open Excel and try a test forecast.
   Note: This setting can differ based on your local machine's environment.