I didn't want to create a new thread but this pertains to version 2.1.2.
I attempted to install Esri Maps for Office version 2.1.2 on my machine. I currently have MS Office Professional Plus 2010 Version 14.0.7106.5003 (32-bit). However after an install, restart, un-intall and re-install neither Excel nor Powerpoint load properly. Both programs will load and display similar error messages posted in this thread. As soon as I un-install Esri Maps for Office both Excel and Powerpoint load as expected.
I have attempted two different types of installing methods for the ArcGIS Connection Settings, both of which produced the same results: (1) ArcGIS Online and (2) My ArcGIS Online Organization.
This may be an internal/firewall issue but I wanted to post in case others were having similar issues. Please assist as I have been looking forward to using Esri Maps for Office and have not gotten my hands wet yet!