We are using an Excel workbook that has been shared rather "successfully";
however, now the file is "locked" by one user that does not even have the
file open. Further, on first blush, we are not able to delete the old file
to replace it with a "restored" newer version. Haven't tried DOS commands to
address it, but question is what is stored where to indicate that the file is
locked? Weirder yet, how can a shared workbook be locked?

Sorry I'm unable to offer any constructive advice other than sack the one who
has it locked. I did have a similar problem some time ago. I think that
after a couple of days after unsharing the w/b it eventually got itself
together. I well remember the culprit so I will speak to him in the morning
for further info.

"GrB" wrote:

We are using an Excel workbook that has been shared rather "successfully";
however, now the file is "locked" by one user that does not even have the
file open. Further, on first blush, we are not able to delete the old file
to replace it with a "restored" newer version. Haven't tried DOS commands to
address it, but question is what is stored where to indicate that the file is
locked? Weirder yet, how can a shared workbook be locked?

Do you get a "locked for editing by username" message?

When you open a workbook in Excel a temporary copy is created.

When you close the workbook the temporary file should be deleted.

At times your OS does not do its job and the temp file is left open.

This will give you the "locked for editing" message.

It is usually necessary to re-boot to clear it out.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Fri, 5 Feb 2010 07:46:02 -0800, GrB
wrote:

We are using an Excel workbook that has been shared rather "successfully";
however, now the file is "locked" by one user that does not even have the
file open. Further, on first blush, we are not able to delete the old file
to replace it with a "restored" newer version. Haven't tried DOS commands to
address it, but question is what is stored where to indicate that the file is
locked? Weirder yet, how can a shared workbook be locked?