Is there a way for Excel to allow only row locking instead of complete file
locking when a spreadsheet is being edited by someone?
Databases allow multiple networked users to edit simultaneously, just not
the same data record. Excel locks out everyone to the entire spreadsheet.
Our workgroup uses an Excel spreadsheet to track tasks. People are supposed
to update each task's status as they work. But because of file locking, the
spreadsheet is mostly locked, which defeats its purpose...people can't update
anything. Or someone locks the file and goes home, or to a meeting.
Are there any advanced Excel solutions/add-ins/macros or anything that could
alleviate this condition, or are we forced to move to another program, ie, a
shared database? What software do other workgroups use for real-time Team
Project Status tracking, without spending thousands of dollars and requiring
everyone to learn complex new software?

It sounds like you do not have File Sharing turned on. Click TOOL/SHARE
WORKBOOK. Click on the advanced tab if you want to change how long to keep
history how to deal with changes to the same cell at the same time & other
items...
--
Kevin Backmann


"Bob W" wrote:

Is there a way for Excel to allow only row locking instead of complete file
locking when a spreadsheet is being edited by someone?
Databases allow multiple networked users to edit simultaneously, just not
the same data record. Excel locks out everyone to the entire spreadsheet.
Our workgroup uses an Excel spreadsheet to track tasks. People are supposed
to update each task's status as they work. But because of file locking, the
spreadsheet is mostly locked, which defeats its purpose...people can't update
anything. Or someone locks the file and goes home, or to a meeting.
Are there any advanced Excel solutions/add-ins/macros or anything that could
alleviate this condition, or are we forced to move to another program, ie, a
shared database? What software do other workgroups use for real-time Team
Project Status tracking, without spending thousands of dollars and requiring
everyone to learn complex new software?

Many thanks, Kevin! We didn't realize that option was hiding up there in the
Tools menu!

"Kevin B" wrote:

It sounds like you do not have File Sharing turned on. Click TOOL/SHARE
WORKBOOK. Click on the advanced tab if you want to change how long to keep
history how to deal with changes to the same cell at the same time & other
items...
--
Kevin Backmann


"Bob W" wrote:

Is there a way for Excel to allow only row locking instead of complete file
locking when a spreadsheet is being edited by someone?
Databases allow multiple networked users to edit simultaneously, just not
the same data record. Excel locks out everyone to the entire spreadsheet.
Our workgroup uses an Excel spreadsheet to track tasks. People are supposed
to update each task's status as they work. But because of file locking, the
spreadsheet is mostly locked, which defeats its purpose...people can't update
anything. Or someone locks the file and goes home, or to a meeting.
Are there any advanced Excel solutions/add-ins/macros or anything that could
alleviate this condition, or are we forced to move to another program, ie, a
shared database? What software do other workgroups use for real-time Team
Project Status tracking, without spending thousands of dollars and requiring
everyone to learn complex new software?