Exporting your QuickBooks Online data is the perfect way to make sure you have copies on file for your records outside of the cloud. I'll do what I can to help with this.
QuickBooks Online's export options include exporting reports and lists to Excel files. I've got an article here that goes over the export options in case you'd like to review them: Export reports, lists, and more
In light of this, I can't speak to why your Microsoft Word program is opening instead of Microsoft Excel. In this case, your best resources are going to be an IT professional or even Microsoft support. In both cases, someone will be able to help you work through this and make sure that your Excel files downloaded are opening in the proper program.
Take care!
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