File locked by both operating system and Excel.

  • Thread starter Thread starter John Baughman
  • Start date Start date
J

John Baughman

I recently had a file appear locked and it opened read-
only by Ecxel. Nowafter following the advice in
http://www.contextures.com/xlfaqApp.html#ReadOnly Excel
says "Excel cannot access '<filename.xls>'. The document
may be read-only or encrypted." After clicking OK, it
displays "Cannot access '<filename.xls>'."

If I try to move/delete the file, Windows XP (v2002, SP1)
says "Cannot delete <filename.xls>: It is being used by
another person or program. Close any programs that might
be using the file and try again."

All of this is after repeated reboots, and before and
after attempting to open the file, immediately after
rebooting, etc.

Any ideas anyone? Please?

Thanks!
John Baughman
Fort Collins, CO
 
Actually, it's one solution.

Note: This solution should work with any version of
Windows that allows you to access the OS at a command
prompt on reboot.

First note the complete path to the file. If it is in My
Documents, the path is usually C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\My Documents
If it is the Desktop, then it is C:\Documents and
Settings\[username]\Desktop

Next you MUST have the local computer's administrator
password. Now, reboot. Immediately after the hardware
initialization or during the PC logo screen, start
pressing F8. You should see a DOS screen with a menu.
Arrow key down to the prompt for Command Prompt.

On WinXP, you will have to wait for it to boot up loading
a lot of drivers. Otherwise, on Win9* you will be popped
into DOS almost right away.

WinXP: Login as administrator!

Now, type "CD <path to locked Excel file>". Here's an
example:

CD c:\documents and settings\joba\my documents

Now, type "DEL <locked Excel filename>". Here's an example:

DEL myexcelfile.xls

To make sure the file deleted, type "DIR <locked Excel
filename>". An example:

DIR myexcelfile.xls

If you see a listing for the file this solution didn't
work. If you don't, pat yourself on the back then press
CTRL + ALT + DEL (WinXP) or type EXIT then hit enter.
On WinXP, you will see the normal Windows Security dialog
box. Click Shutdown... and follow the normal Restart step.
On Win9*, the system should either shutdown or reboot,
it's been a while since I did the command prompt boot
there.

That's it. Any other suggestions, please let me know.

-John Baughman
Fort Collins
 
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