Can't open xls/xlsx files from anywhere on HD - Images

Macbook, snow leopard, Office 2011 store bought, fresh install.
I can read and write from any flash drive or network, but can not open an excel file if it's located anywhere on the local system HD.
Word .doc and Powerpoint .ppt open fine from HD.
File permissions are read/write in all locations, I am admin.
Please see attached files.
What gives?

Moved to the correct forum. Does not belong in "Switcher".

As to your question... Looks like the file names are either too long or the path is corrupt.

Thanks for moving my post.
I don't know how the path could be corrupt;
The top message is when I try to open the file from finder.
The second message is when I try to open the file from excel.
I can open either way from the flash drive.

Also, the file name doesn't seem to matter, I can open a file from the flash drive, close it then drag it ove to the desktop then it won't open. Makes me think it's software or permissions but everything is set correctly.

Figured it out, the HD name used invalid characters so would not open anything on the local system.
Examples of these characters are: < (less-than sign)
> (greater-than sign)
/ (forward slash)
\ (backward slash)
: (colon)
| (pipe)
In finder: Right click HD>click get info>click arrow beside Name & Extension>type new name in text box then close.
I called min Mac HD (it was called :/EQW for some reason).
Voila! A new simple name and all files will open as needed.

Just noticed that myself. Thanks for posting back.