Why am I getting an error using 'xlsfinfo'?

I created a simple XLS file, and I'm getting the following error when I try to call xlsfinfo on it:

>> xlsfinfo('test.xls');
Error using Interface.000208DB_0000_0000_C000_000000000046/Open
Error: The server threw an exception.

Error in xlsfinfo (line 68)
        workbook = Excel.workbooks.Open(filename, 0, true);

If I try the command again (once or multiple times) I get the following different error:

>> xlsfinfo('test.xls');
Error: Object returned error code: 0x800AC472

Error in xlsfinfo (line 64)
        Excel.DisplayAlerts = 0;

I am using Matlab R2012a, and the machine has Microsoft Office 2010 installed.

Thanks.

- Elliot