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

Henrik Vestergaard 25 Reputation points
2023-07-20T06:23:16.7266667+00:00

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

Excel Management
Excel Management
Excel: A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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  1. AllenXu-MSFT 18,441 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-07-20T07:52:23.7266667+00:00

    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.

    1. 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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  1. Henrik Vestergaard 25 Reputation points
    2023-07-20T10:00:44.0133333+00:00

    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 😀

    User's image

    1 person found this answer helpful.