Shared Excel file problems!

Question

We have several Excel files that are constantly accessed by various users.

In the good old days of Office 2007, if a second user tried to open one of the files while it was in use, they would get a warning and ask if they want to open it as "read only", everybody was happy!!

Now with Office 2016/2019 Excel seems to forget that someone has the file opening for edit after about 15 minutes and allows another user to open and edit the file! This causes one of several problems, either the first user can't save the file and Excel forces them to save it under a different name, or it saves it and overwrites the second persons updates. Sometimes it also seems to switch the first user to "read only" when they are in the middle of editing the file!!! 

Is there any way of making Office 2016/2019 behave in the same way as 2007 when it comes to shared Excel documents?

Answer 1

Yes, that is correct. You may refer to this support link for more information regarding shared workbook feature.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Answer 2

my all saftware are showing earry

Answer 3

Hi Regile,

Having read the article that you kindly provided the link to, I assume that if I don't "allow changes by more than one user" then the workbook should behave as in older versions of Office? ie: When one person has the workbook open for edit, subsequent users will only be allowed to open the workbook as read only?

I will try this next time I am at the users office.

Answer 4

Hi Regile,

Thank you for your reply.

I understand what you are saying, and that would be fine if Excel didn't mysteriously change the workbook to "Read Only" for users who already have the workbook open! Also when they come to save the workbook it won't allow them to replace the existing file in the shared folder, it insists that they save it under a new name.

I've monitored the lock file for the workbook, this is created when the first user opens the file, but seems to disappear after several minutes (possibly after the first auto save??).

Answer 5

Hi Derek,

Since it's a shared workbook, it is by design that everyone that has access to it can make changes and update the workbook simultaneously. However, you may keep track of the changes made on the workbook by configuring the settings of the workbooks. Here's an article on how you can track the changes made.

I would also recommend, that you submit your feedback in our Excel UserVoice.

To notify me and have me respond to you, simply post on this thread.