Microsoft Office 2013 - Error opening word and excel files that have been downloaded or sent to you as attachments.

How to fix an error opening word and excel files that have been downloaded or sent to you as attachments in Microsoft Office 2013

 Below: Error message

 

The message that has nothing to do with the actual problem, and the problem is actually a Microsoft feature, as often is:

- Office now has a  "protected-mode" feature, which prevents office apps from doing certain things under certain conditions.
- One of them is to stop excel / word from opening attachments coming from outlook.

Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Word Options. or Excel  depending on what you having a problem with.

  

Below: Click Trust Center, and then click Trust Center Settings.  

Below: Click the "Protected View"  in the left menu and untick all 3  check boxes on the right.

'

Save and voila, suddenly  word / excel can open all your files and has absolutely no problems with your gigs of free memory.
Thanks to the brilliant minds who conceived such an awkward feature with awkward error messages and ultra-deep menu options to clear - and of course no simple help. LOL