What is the correct way to share a workbook?

[OliverExcel]

Hi, I am having problem sharing my workbook. I have a file that needed an update from many individual. I have tried to share the workbook by going to review tab, selecting the "Share workbook" and check the "Allow changes by more than one user at the same time" check box. Then I have saved the file in our share drive.

When we test it, I have open the file first in my computer then my workmate open it in his computer (the file shows as "read only [shared]") but when he tried to save the changes he made, he still cannot save it.


Whats seems to be the problem?

Please help me. Thanks a lot.

 

[Luke M]

Does the other person have write privileges to the folder the document is in?

Has the "read only" property been check accidentally for the document?


The reason I ask is that you are doing everything correctly, assuming other person could write to the document in the first place.

 

[jason]

when you go to Share Workbook and the little dialog box opens, is the checkbox at the top 'Allow changes by more than one user at the same time....' checked?

 

[OliverExcel]

@Luke,

I will check first if he has limited access to the folder. Maybe that is why it didn't work.


@Jason, Yes I have check the checkbox in "Allow changes by more than one user at the same time."

 

[NARAYANK991]

Hi ,


I am not knowledgeable on this , but if multiple users can make changes at the same time , how can the file be in read-only mode ?


If the file has been opened in read-only mode , you cannot save to it.


Do you think the following can help ?


1. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/excel/thread/cf6b3e45-627e-458e-b98a-8703af27f12c/


2. http://www.ozgrid.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24772


Narayan

 

[shrivallabha]

I'll also recommend what JKP has said:

"Do not use Excel Shared Workbook"


I had tried to implement this feature but the file would get corrupted often. Sometimes some strange temp files would get created. I tried to maintain the file for 3 weeks and got fed up. Simple solution [in our case] was:

1. To update file whenever needed and keep it closed so that person who needed it could open it.

2. Others could still use / refer data in "read only" mode.


So not a very pleasant experience.


If you've to use it then make sure that users have separate [non overlapping] ranges or sheets to update otherwise some ignorant users will overwrite data and you will lose data before you notice.