If I have two workbooks open in Excel and try and open a third from Windows
Explorer I return to the session of Excel but the file does not open. If I
close all files the same thing continues to happen.

The only way to open more files is by using the File = Open command (not as
convenient as Explorer) or starting a new session of Excel.

I have 'Windows in Taskbar' unchecked in Options because I find it
irritating with multiple files open.

FYI I have Windows XP Professional SP-2 version 5.1 & Excel 2002.

Any ideas?

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R Ormerod