Open a file by multiple users

[Scott]

I put a Excel file on a server for multiple user's updating. There is an
issue that when one user opens the file, the other users cannot update the
same file until s/he exits. Since the user may open it and forget to close
it, other users cannot do any editing. Is there any way to allow multiple
users to edit the central file at the same time?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Jim Thomlinson]

Yes and no. Take a look at Sharing in the help. At the same time look at all
of the functionallity that is lost when you share out the file. So yes it can
be done but there are a LOT of tradeoffs. I personally never share out files
as I find that it causes as many problems as it solves. When I need
concurrent access to information I use a database.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Just to add to Jim's warning...

Lots of very smart people around here recommend that you stay away from shared
workbooks. Workbook corruption is a common complaint with those shared
workbooks.

If you do use it, remember to make backups.

 

[Scott]

Yes and no. Take a look at Sharing in the help. At the same time look at
all
of the functionallity that is lost when you share out the file. So yes it
can
be done but there are a LOT of tradeoffs. I personally never share out
files
as I find that it causes as many problems as it solves. When I need
concurrent access to information I use a database.

Jim & Dave,

Thanks for your kind warning. However, this is not the solution to say to
my colleagues that pls stay away to update the file by multiple users. They
do need to do it due to business need. Most of business people hates or
scare the use of database due to little knowledge of it. Any other
workable solution apart from database available?

Regards,

Scott

 

[Dave Peterson]

Try the sharing option that Jim mentioned.

Jim & Dave,

Thanks for your kind warning. However, this is not the solution to say to
my colleagues that pls stay away to update the file by multiple users. They
do need to do it due to business need. Most of business people hates or
scare the use of database due to little knowledge of it. Any other
workable solution apart from database available?

Regards,

Scott