External Links and Multiple Instances

[Guest]

I am running Excel 2000 on Windows XP Professional. For a long time, I was
able to open up files in separate windows and to create links between these
files by typing "=" in a cell of the target sheet and then clicking on a cell
in the source sheet. I recently installed a second monitor and video card on
my computer. Since then, I have been unable to both open multiple instances
and create links between those multiple instances. At first I was unable to
create multiple instanced. I have managed to create multiple instances in
three ways. First, I have gone to options - general - ignore other
applications. Second, I used the start menu shortcuts. Third, I tried
clicking on windows- share workbook - allow changes by more than one user. No
matter what I do, I am unable to create links between the windows that are
opened.
What I need is to be able to open files up in their own windows, which I can
move to separate screens and between which I can create links. Does anyone
know how I can do this?

 

[Dave Peterson]

If you want to let excel build your formulas (typing = and click and pointing,
or copy|paste special|paste link), then both workbooks have to be open in the
same instance of excel.

I think you'll have to make a decision on what you want--same instance or
letting excel do the heavy lifting when you're building a formula.

 

[Guest]

That seems to make sense given everything that I've tried. However, I'm
confused about why I had this functionality before I installed the second
monitor. I am wondering if there is a way to have multiple windows open,
with each window containing a separate file in a different position on the
desktop, within a single instance of excel. I'm assuming then, that within
a single instance, excel will build the formulas for me.

If it is possible to have a single instance of excel create more than one
window, do you know how I could configure excel for it.

 

[Pete]

With one instance of Excel (maximised, for best effect), use File |
Open twice to open two different files. Then click Window | Arrange and
Horizontal and you will see two windows open within the one Excel
window. Each of these can be re-sized in the normal way to give you
other free space (grey area) within the Excel window, where you can
view other files if you wish.

Pete