Jason,

Here's how I get around the problem you describe.

For Excel files that I use regularly, I build a shortcut where under the
Shortcut tab, in the Target box, I place the filespec for the Excel
executable in quotes, for example:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE"

Then a space, and finally the filespec for the particular Excel file I wish
to open, for example:

"[filepath]\[filename]"

So, the full string in the Target box reads:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "[filepath]\[filename]"

If my Excel file was named 'MyExcelFile.xls' and happened to be in the
'C:\Temp' folder, the Target box would read:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "C:\Temp\MyExcelFile.xls"

With the shortcut configured in this manner, a new instance, i.e., a
completely new and separate Excel application, opens when I use this
shortcut, regardless of how many Excel files are currently open.

Hope this helps,

Richard Cook


"Jason Dove" wrote:

Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.

Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools - Options
"Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window - "Compare" method has been
suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
to have two separate worksheet programs open.

Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools - Options - View
"Open Files in Own Program Window"?

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc