Sometimes when I use Excel 2002 and go to open a file, I get the message
that the file is "locked for editing" and I have to chose between "read
only" and "notify". I usually chose "notify" and then I can use the file
but when I go to close it I have to save it with a different name, I can't
just hit CTRL-S like I usually do.

Could someone explain what this "locked for editing" is for and if there is
a way to avoid it.

Thanks...