Files opening at start-up

[scbiggs]

I just got a new computer and was setting up defaults in Excel, and I
mistakenly entered 'My Documents' in the Tools/Options/General field
for "At startup, open all files in." So when I start Excel it tries to
open EVERY file in My Domuments and I have to use Task Manager to kill
it. I opened in Safe Mode to change that option, but that doesn't seem
to work. (Ie, when I open Excel again in regular mode it goes back to
opening every file.)

Is there another way to fix this? THanks!

Andrew

 

[Dave Peterson]

Can you use Windows Explorer to rename that "my Documents" folder, then start
excel, change the setting, then rename the folder back to its real name.

 

[agbiggs]

I think that would work with any other folder name, but it wouldn't let
me do that with My Documents; I guess it's such a prominent thing that
they don't let you monkey with it. Thanks, though - I appreciate the
help.

 

[Beege]

From the windows "Run" type

excel.exe /automation

Then: Tools/options/ fix entry...

Beege

 

[MDubbelboer]

or just temporarily move the stuff in my documents, open excel, chang
it, then move the files back

it doesn't open subdirectories, so you only need to move stuff in th
root my documents directory

 

[Dave Peterson]

That's what I was afraid of.

This is a setting kept in the registry.

If you're comfortable changing the registry...

Windows start button|Run|Regedit

Traverse to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Excel\Options
under: AltStartup

And delete that key.

(11.0 means xl2003, 10.0 means xl2002, etc)

But be careful. Since you're working in the registry, you may want to back
it up before you do any changes. (You don't get a confirmation prompt when
you make changes here!)

 

[agbiggs]

Thanks, everyone! Beege's fix took care of it and I'm back in business.

Best,

Andrew

 

[Beege]

Thanks for the feedback, Andrew, glad to have been helpful.

Beege

Thanks, everyone! Beege's fix took care of it and I'm back in business.

Best,

Andrew