The error message is not the standard "file is locked for editing by username"
but maybe the following will help.

Excel stores a *.tmp copy of any file that is open.

Sometimes this *.tmp file is not deleted from the Temp folder when you close
out Excel(maybe a crash of Excel?) or the file, so Excel thinks it is still
open and in use.

You don't say that you had a crash but I would still try a couple of steps.

You can try a re-boot and see if that clears it up. If not, after a re-boot,
clear out your Windows\Temp folder.

If using WinXP your Temp folder would be under user.......

Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temp

If on a network, re-booting the server may be the only solution.

If no joy with this maybe try the Open Office route.

People have had success with openoffice being able to recover damaged
files but we don't don't know if that file is damaged, though..

http://www.openoffice.org, a 60-65 meg download or a CD


Gord

On Sat, 3 Mar 2007 05:39:00 -0800, Nancianne
wrote:

I'm trying to open it from the hard drive.....I've tried from my shortcut and
from the original in My Docs. Thanks for your info tho.

"Gord Dibben" wrote:

From where are you attempting to open the workbook?

Hard Drive or removable media?

If the latter, try copying to HDD first then open it from there.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Fri, 2 Mar 2007 19:14:59 -0800, Nancianne
wrote:

I have created an excel book and have used it for months. Now I can't open
it...I get the message that is may be read only or encrypted ??? What do I do
!?!?! Thanks