XLSM workbook displays filename AND number, but only one workbook window is open

Question

Hi

On opening abc.xlsm workbook the Excel title line displays 'abc.xlsm - 2'.

But only one window is open?

View > New window will open a new window with the title 'abc.xlsm - 3', as expected.

How do I avoid this and make the title display 'abc.xlsm' wo. the '- 2'?

Its a big workbook, so copying all content to another workbook is not an easy way to solve it, so hope someone have an idea?

note: also asked here - but when to use which forum?:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/xlsm-workbook-displays-filename-and-number-but/a101d8ef-87c6-4125-acc6-7ec1f615ee51

Answer 1

Hi @Henrik Vestergaard,

This issue might happen due to a hidden window because some add-ins, desktop gadgets, or launchers may open a hidden instance of an Office program that disables all subsequent documents opened within the already running instance of that Office program.

I would suggest the following troubleshooting steps.

1. Try to open Excel in safe mode and see if this issue still exists.
2. Rename the workbook.

Go to File > Save As.

In the "File name" box, remove the "-2" suffix, or any suffix that appears after the file name.

Save the workbook with the corrected name.

3. Start Microsoft Excel by double-clicking a workbook or shortcut on the desktop.

Minimize the workbook to temporarily hide it.

Right-click the Excel button on the Windows taskbar, and then click the workbook you just minimized.

Maximize the workbook now open on the screen.

Close Excel, making sure to save all open workbooks.

Restart Excel to verify the issue is resolved.

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Answer 2

Hi @AllenXu-MSFT

Thanks, your answer helped me on the way!
I actually had two windows open!
I guess this combination tricket me and and I cant reproduce it in another file:
View > View was dimmed, but another windown COULD be seen through View > Change Window!
Close one window and problem solved 😀

Answer 3

You might simply have a hidden window. Go to View and under the Window category see if you can click 'Unhide'.