Empty folder created when opening Excel document in server

Question

A user is working on an Excel document that is on a server.   Let's called the document "sample document.xlxs".    When she opens the document an empty folder will appear called "sample document.xlxs.moretitle".    So far only one user has that issue of the several that use that document.  I spoke to my system admins and they claim that the issue is with the user's Excel.  I have updated MS Office 2016 for Mac on the user's computer.   User is on OS X Sierra.  Any suggestions on troubleshooting?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi Charlotte,

Based on my search, the issue is more related to the server as Excel for Mac itself works well. I found in one thread user mentioned that after change the permission setting on the server, no more temp folders are created.

You may check if the suggestion work for you. Moreover, if the issue persists, I suggest you post a new thread in our Windows Server forum for further support. This is the specific channel that handles Windows Server related questions and issues.

Thanks for your understanding.

Tim

Answer 2

I found this post that shows a similar issue but with MS Word: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/office/en-US/50d3d7fb-f9c1-49b3-86e3-f9ede62b33d0/mac-2016-word-when-saving-creates-a-folder-example-nameoffolderdocxsb98c2cb88xxxxxx?forum=Office2016forMac

However, there are no tmp files in the folders that get created for my user.    Just a nameoffolder.xlsx.sb-xxxxxxxx-xxxxxxx.

Charlotte

Answer 3

1.  Server is running Windows Server 2012 R.
2.  We have found 2 instances of this situation happening.
3.  Yes she can edit and save the original file.  Other people log into the file and it does not create an empty folder for those people, only this user.
4. No the folders do not disappear automatically after closing the worksheet.   
5. She is running 10.12.6 and 15.37 MS Office 2016 for Mac

Here is a picture:

Answer 4

Hi Charlotte,

To better understand the situation, I'd like to confirm the following things:

1. Could you share with us more info about that server? What is operating system of it?
2. Is the issue only related to this specific worksheet? Or all worksheets on this sever have the same issue when this user open them?
3. Is she able to edit, save the file? I mean work with the file without problems.
4. After closing the worksheet, will the empty folder disappear automatically?
5. On her Mac, click Excel/Apple icon on the top bar>About Excel/About This Mac>let us know the current versions of her Excel and Mac OS.

Best regards,

Tim