Excel opens IQ exported XLS and XLSX files in protected mode

Issue:

When I try to export information from IQ into a XLS or XLSX format, Excel wants to open it in Protected Mode. 

Users may receive the following error when opening an exported excel file from a query: Protected View Editing this file type is not allowed due to your policy settings. Click for more details.  The user may not be able to save or modify the document. The error occurs when the file type being used is blocked in the File Block settings in the Trust Center in Microsoft Office.

Why:

File block settings can prevent outdated file types from opening, or cause files to open in Protected View. Protected View is a security feature that opens potentially dangerous files in a restricted mode to minimize harm to your computer. 

You can also change the Trust Center settings to add, remove, or change a trusted location

This can occur due to recent Windows Updates that reactivates the settings. 

Steps to resolve:

Open the file in an MS Office program 

Click File > Options 

Click Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > File Block Settings 

In the File Type list, uncheck the Open or Save check box for the file type you want to open or save 

Click OK twice

Alternatively click on the Restore defaults button.