Creating a new file from existing file in Windows 10 Excel

Question

In the past, I would choose new file, create from existing, and then find the file that I wanted to start with - but this option does not seem to exist.

I can open the old file, but if I use Save As then all of the references to the previous file name change.

Can anyone tell me what to do?

Answer 1

Hi Mary,

When you were on Windows 7, you must be using older version of Office. Based on my search, the option you mentioned (File>New>New from Existing) is available in Excel 2010. Here’s the screenshot for your reference.

In the newer version, this has been changed. Now, to create the workbook from an existing, one must open the desired workbook and save as with the new name. This will keep the version of the previous workbook with all its link to the older workbook and the new workbook will have new version.

Here’s an article for reference: Create a new workbook

If you have any suggestion or you would like to see the old interface in new Office version, you can provide your feedback in Excel UserVoice and let the team know about your requirement. UserVoice is the best way to give the feedback to Product Group as it’s actively monitored by them and many new features have been implemented from our customers feedback.

We appreciate your understanding.

Regards,

Neha

Answer 2

" all of the references to the previous file name change" ................ what references?

Answer 3

Hi Mary,

To understand the issue, we would like to confirm the following information:

1. Please provide the screenshot of Office 365 Product Information. To get this screenshot, open any Office app such Word or Excel on your system, click File>Account, capture the screenshot of all the information mentioned under Product Information. (Note: please remove any sensitive information from the screenshot such as email address or full name etc.).
2. As you mentioned “ all of the references to the previous file name change” please confirm which references you are referring here.
3. When you say, “ In the past, I would choose new file, create from existing, and then find the file that I wanted to start with - but this option does not seem to exist.”, could you please provide more information about this option.
4. Is this option changed after Office update?

Thanks,

Neha

Answer 4

I formerly used excel under Windows 7.  Upgraded to Windows 10, so no longer have screen shot of what former process was but here is my recollection - File, New, New from Existing, Select file in browser.  I would then have a version of the file that I could save under another name.  This would keep the version of the previous file with all of its links to other spreadsheets.  Not using Save As function.  In Windows 7 if you used Save As, any links contained in other files would be updated to the new file name and I needed to maintain those old links.

New command sequence I am using is File, Open, New - and all that is available is templates.

Now only opening existing file and saving as seems to be the only option.  

Mary