Excel Err Msg: File with the Name <Filename> Is Already Open

SUMMARY

When attempting to open a Microsoft Excel worksheet or macro sheet, if the error "File with the name [filename] is already open" appears (where [filename] is the name of the document to be opened), check the following:

1. Open the Window menu. At the bottom of the menu will be a list of the open documents. Verify that the document being opened is not on that list.

2. From the Window menu, choose Unhide (if it isn't dimmed). A list of the hidden documents will be displayed. Again, verify that the document being opened does not share the name of a document in this list.

   Note: If Unhide is dimmed, ignore this step.

3. Check for add-in macros that are installed when Excel starts as described in the following:

   a. From the File menu, choose Open.

   b. Switch to the Excel Startup Folder (located in the System

         Folder).
   

   c. Verify that there isn't a macro listed with the same name as

         the macro that is being opened.
   

MORE INFORMATION

Excel cannot open two files with the same name, whether they are different files or not. If the same file is reopened, Excel will ask you if you want to revert to the saved document. If opening another document with the same name is attempted, Excel will display an error message.

Excel version 3.00 also comes with add-in macros. These macros load automatically and do not display a name on the open document list under the Window menu. For this reason, you may be unaware that a sheet with a particular name is already open.

For more help on working with add-in macros, see "Add-in Manager" on pages 676-678 of the "Microsoft Excel User's Guide" version 3.0 manual. The Add-in Manager utility allows you to see which add-ins are running and to remove those that are not needed.