Shared Excel file locked

I send Excel files via email to multiple users. The Excel files are [shared]
so that I can use the excel "track changes" function when I get the files
back from my users.

One of my users has just gotten a new computer with Vista, and she is unable
to save the file. Unfortunately, I don't have the specific message, but it is
something to the effect that the file is locked and she needs to remove the
[shared] function if she wants to save the file.

I suspect that the problem has something to do with Vista security settings,
but since she is 400 miles away from me, I don't have any way to do hands on
tech support with her computer.

Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem might be?

Help! Auntie

This has nothing to do with security in Vista. It is all related to the fact
that the workbook is shared and currently locked open.

See if this walkthrough helps:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...035371033.aspx


"Auntie Annie" wrote:

> I send Excel files via email to multiple users. The Excel files are [shared]
> so that I can use the excel "track changes" function when I get the files
> back from my users.
>
> One of my users has just gotten a new computer with Vista, and she is unable
> to save the file. Unfortunately, I don't have the specific message, but it is
> something to the effect that the file is locked and she needs to remove the
> [shared] function if she wants to save the file.
>
> I suspect that the problem has something to do with Vista security settings,
> but since she is 400 miles away from me, I don't have any way to do hands on
> tech support with her computer.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem might be?
>
> Help! Auntie

Thanks for the reply, Jesper.

Unfortunately, there was nothing in the link that was helpful. What would
cause the shared file to be locked open? She is not on a network, so she is
the only one who is using the file at a time.

I have been using this particular process for 3 years with over 200
different users, and this is the first time I've come across this particular
problem. I even resent her the file in case there was a corruption in transit
issue.

Coincidentally, this is the first time I've worked with a user that I know
has Vista. (I have XP) She is using Excel 2000 and I am using Excel 2003.

"Jesper" wrote:

> This has nothing to do with security in Vista. It is all related to the fact
> that the workbook is shared and currently locked open.
>
> See if this walkthrough helps:
> http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...035371033.aspx
>
>
> "Auntie Annie" wrote:
>
> > I send Excel files via email to multiple users. The Excel files are [shared]
> > so that I can use the excel "track changes" function when I get the files
> > back from my users.
> >
> > One of my users has just gotten a new computer with Vista, and she is unable
> > to save the file. Unfortunately, I don't have the specific message, but it is
> > something to the effect that the file is locked and she needs to remove the
> > [shared] function if she wants to save the file.
> >
> > I suspect that the problem has something to do with Vista security settings,
> > but since she is 400 miles away from me, I don't have any way to do hands on
> > tech support with her computer.
> >
> > Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem might be?
> >
> > Help! Auntie

> Coincidentally, this is the first time I've worked with a user that I know
> has Vista. (I have XP) She is using Excel 2000 and I am using Excel 2003.

Does the file say "shared" on your computer? I think you need to "unshare"
it. If you use the "Send to..." option in Excel it automatically shares the
file. Try opening the file on your computer and unshare it (should be under
the tools menu). Then save it and close Excel. Resend the file without
sending from inside Excel.

There are lots of troubleshooting docs on Office online about shared
workbooks. If you can nail down the specific problem one of them is bound to
help:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...ared&av=ZXL110

BTW, I do not believe Excel 2000 is supported on Vista.

No, I don't send files from within Excel. I do it the old fashioned way and
attach them to an email.

The file was shared on purpose and I don't want to use an unshared file
because it help me tremendously when I proofread the data that comes back to
me. I have nearly 20,000 records each year that I have to proofread, and I
need to use every tool at my disposal.

I'll keep on hunting for an answer. Thanks.

"Jesper" wrote:

> > Coincidentally, this is the first time I've worked with a user that I know
> > has Vista. (I have XP) She is using Excel 2000 and I am using Excel 2003.
>
> Does the file say "shared" on your computer? I think you need to "unshare"
> it. If you use the "Send to..." option in Excel it automatically shares the
> file. Try opening the file on your computer and unshare it (should be under
> the tools menu). Then save it and close Excel. Resend the file without
> sending from inside Excel.
>
> There are lots of troubleshooting docs on Office online about shared
> workbooks. If you can nail down the specific problem one of them is bound to
> help:
> http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/ex...ared&av=ZXL110
>
> BTW, I do not believe Excel 2000 is supported on Vista.