Excel: Template Unexpectedly Opens in Edit Mode

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0

SYMPTOMS

In versions of Microsoft Excel earlier than 4.0 for Windows, when a worksheet, chart, or macro sheet containing links to a worksheet template is open, and you then open the worksheet template, the template file is opened in edit mode rather than as a template.

CAUSE

This problem occurs with worksheet templates only. In addition, it occurs regardless of whether you choose Open from the File menu, choose the filename from the most recently used file list on the File menu, or use the OPEN() macro function.

WORKAROUND

To open the worksheet template as a template (not in edit mode), you must close files that are linked to it before you open the template.

STATUS

This problem has been corrected in Microsoft Excel version 5.0.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Excel, worksheets, charts, and macro sheets can be saved as templates to be used when you want to create other documents that will have similar format and content. The original template file can be opened for editing by holding down the SHIFT key while selecting the filename in the File Open dialog.

In Microsoft Excel for Windows, the file opens as FILENAME.XLT, and in Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, it opens as FILENAME. When simply opening the template, it will open as FILENAMEn, where n is a number corresponding to the number of times the template has been opened in the current session of Microsoft Excel.

If an open worksheet, chart, or macro sheet is linked to a worksheet template and this template is then opened, the template does not open as FILENAMEn as expected, it opens for editing as FILENAME.XLT (Windows) or FILENAME (Macintosh).

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Enter the following into a new worksheet:
   
   

   
       A1: 1
       A2: 2
       A3: 3
       A4: 4 




2. Save the worksheet as a template file by choosing Save As from the File menu. Depending on your platform and version, select one of the following:
   
   Microsoft Excel for Windows 4.0
   -------------------------------
   1. Select Template from the Save File As Type list box.
   
   
   
   2. In the File Name box, type Test and choose OK.
   
   
   
   3. The file will be saved as TEST.XLT.
   
   
   
   
   Microsoft Excel for Windows 3.0
   or Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh 3.0 and 4.0
   -------------------------------------------------
   1. Choose the Options button.
   
   
   
   2. In the File Format list box, select Template and choose OK.
   
   
   
   3. In the File Name box, type Test and choose OK.
   
   
   
   4. In Microsoft Excel for Windows, the file will be saved as TEST.XLT and in Microsoft Excel the for Macintosh, the file will be saved as TEST.
   
   
   



3. Select cells A1:A4 and create a chart by pressing the F11 key.



4. Activate TEST.XLT (Windows) or TEST (Macintosh) by selecting the filename from the Window menu.



5. Choose Close from the File menu to close the template.



6. Open TEST.XLT (Windows) or TEST(Macintosh) by selecting the file from the File Open dialog box.

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Last Reviewed: March 29, 1999