Thread: read-only file
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Dave Peterson Dave Peterson is offline
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Default read-only file

I didn't realize that you were using xl2007. So those instructions for the menu
items won't apply.

But if the worksheet is protected and those cells are locked, you'll see what
you're describing. If you start a new workbook, you don't have any of these
problems, right???

I think it's time to ask the developer for the password so that you can
unprotect the worksheet.



jim wrote:

This is a good one! I started in Excel Safe and the same issues happen -
workbook opens automaticly in read-only and all of the commands under
"Review/ Changes" are unavailable. Also no macros are listed under "View/
Macro". So far this is the only workbook giving me the problem! I am in
Excel 2007.

Jim

"Dave Peterson" wrote:

This new description isn't for a read-only file.

It sounds to me like the worksheet is protected and the cells are locked.

If you lock cells and check hidden on the format|cells|Protection tab, then you
won't see the formulas or values in the formula bar.

And it also sounds like that there's a macro that's running (when you open the
workbook) that disables lots of options.

I would do this:
Close excel
restart excel in safe mode:
Windows start button|run
Type:
excel /safe

Then use file|open to open the troublesome workbook.

Opening excel in safe mode stops those macros from running. You should have
access to the options in the toolbars--especially
Tools|protection|unprotect worksheet

But you will have to provide a password.

If you don't have a password, then go back to the developer and explain what
you're going to do and why you need it.



jim wrote:

Problem is I am not on a network - a single PC connected directly to the web
- and when I open the workbook I only see the cell contents in the cell and
not on the edit line. Don't see any formulas, text or numbers in the edit
line. Can not even type anything into any cell. When I look at Review
Change to see if the cells are locked, the Rewiew Changes menu is completely
unavailable as are most other menu functions. Any more ideas? Thanks.

"Dave Peterson" wrote:

First, you can edit any workbook you can open -- even the readonly files. But
you won't be able to save it back to its original location using the same name
if its marked readonly.

Second, my guess is that the file is located on a network share that you only
have readonly access to. Excel and windows work together nicely. If excel sees
that the file is in a location that you cannot save to, it won't even bother
giving you a prompt.

There's nothing that you can do at that point that can change the way it's
opened.

(But excel does like to warn you by putting "[Read-Only]" in the title bar!

jim wrote:

Have a Excel 2007 file that will opens only as read-only. When opening the
file it does not ask if you want to open it as read-only ââ¬âœ just opens it as
read-only. Using the drop down ââ¬Åopenââ¬Â button in the open file still makes
the file read-only. Security Warning options indicate the read-only file
itself is the danger! Finally, file read-only attribute is unchecked in file
properties. Want to be able to edit the spreadsheet. Ideas?

--

Dave Peterson


--

Dave Peterson


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Dave Peterson