Excel: Possible Causes of "Can't Access <Filename>" Error

 Last reviewed: April 3, 1997
Article ID: Q46520
1.00 1.03 1.04 1.06 1.50 2.20 MACINTOSH kbother

SUMMARY

When you attempt to open a file with read-only privileges under AppleShare in versions of Microsoft Excel prior to 2.20a or when you attempt to open a file that is in the process of being opened by another user, the following error message will appear: 

   Can't Access <filename>
You are given the options to retry or cancel.

To open a file that is also being opened by another user, periodically click the Retry button. The file will be opened once the other user is finished opening the file.

In versions of Excel prior to 2.20a, to open a file that is protected with read-only privileges under AppleShare, you must manually select the Read Only option in Excel's Open dialog box. Early releases of Excel version 2.20 do not distinguish between types of protection under AppleShare; these versions attempt to open a file with full privileges unless the Read Only option is selected.

This incompatibility has been addressed in a maintenance release of Excel, version 2.20a. Registered users of version 2.20 can obtain version 2.20a by calling Microsoft End User Sales and Service at (800) 426-9400.

KBCategory: kbother
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 1.00 1.03 1.04 1.06 1.50 2.20

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: April 3, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.