>Considerable effort was put into troubleshooting this issue on affected machines, without success.
>
>The final resolution was to replace Excel automation with the use of Greg Green's VFPx class: https://github.com/ggreen86/XLXS-Workbook-Class .
>
>My gut feel is the future will see increasing restrictions/lockdowns on inter-process communications, function calls, automation etc both by Windows and by security/AV programs. My recommendation would be to eliminate Excel automation where feasible and replace it with this class.

For intermediate tasks there is the flip side of having a non-internet visible/connected VM running XP and COM-working older versions.
Middle finger to MS for a couple of years, until versionitis makes such an aproach more work than other ways circumventing new MS efforts.
I do remember periods where new versions enabled developers...