Excel 2003 and 2007 shared workbook enabled, but does not show it is enabled when you try to disable it.

I have an excel workbook that is used pretty commonly.  Due to the detailed formulas in it, I am unable to create the same file in another format.

The issue that is arising is this:

User #1 opens the file.  She is able to use it with Full Functionality and permissions.

User #2 opens the file.  He is unable to open it and gets the standard "File is in use.  Do you want to open it Read Only?" message.

User #3 opens the file.  He is able to open it with Full Functionality and permissions.  He has no idea anyone else is trying to use it, and updates the file as needed.  Saves the file and is able to close it.

Meanwhile, User #1 has also made changes, and when done making the changes tries to save it and gets an error message saying "The file has been changed or modified since you last opened it.  Some changes will be lost, do you want to continue?"

I have tried to disable the "Shared Workbook" function as this is what it sounds like.  But it still is not fixing the solution.  The orgin of the file is from a boilerplate file that someone created, and is copied as a whole workbook to a different project folder.  I do not know if the person creating the original file had the "Shared Workbook" feature enabled.  When I have gone to "turn it off" it doesn't show it was turned on.

Due to the spreadsheet integrity, I DO NOT want multiple users in it at the same time.

Any ideas?  Or should I consider the boilerplate corrupt and recreate it?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Cheryl

Cheryl Lapole:

Due to the spreadsheet integrity, I DO NOT want multiple users in it at the same time.

Cheryl

I am so glad you made that statement, as that would be the starting point. It is a thoroughly bad idea.

That said I would check a few things to try and switch it off

1. Is the user who can open it while open by another user truly opening the same file or a copy? (I have never known it to act randomly like this, except when users 'thought' they had the same file open).
2. If you are still having trouble switching sharing off, I would ensure it was off and on the advanced tab of the sharing dialog, select 'Don't keep change history'. Ensure you apply the changes, save and close the workbook and Excel.
3. If you find the sharing is still not gone, try 'round-tripping' the file as HTML (File>Save as...>Web page) and then re-open this HTML file in Excel, that sometimes strips out stuff that cannot be saved in the HTML file format but leaves most other stuff.
4. Lastly, yes, you may need to scrap and re-create.

Yes they are able to open the exact file at the same time.  But again, it is not consistent.

I will try the suggestions above.

Thank you for your help!!