How do I create a desktop shortcut for a specific .xlsm file?

[jwatters]

If I have an excel shortcut on my desktop, it does not let me specify the
target file to open, I can only open a blank document. If, from within excel
2007, I specify to send file to shortcut on desktop, a shortcut is created,
but it is not able to find the .xlsm file (for macro enabled) or .xlsx file
(for regular file), even though it has the correct directory path and file
name. Is this an issue with Excel 2007 or with Windows Vista 64?

 

[jwatters]

Actually, I found this is not even a shortcut issue. I am not able to open
any excel spreadsheet from outside Excel 2007. If I click on an Excel 2007
file, it will not open. I have to have Excel 2007 open and select the file
from there. What's the deal?

 

[Dave Peterson]

You are suffering from a common problem in xl2007 that lots of people have
complained about. The workbook is open, just not visible.

One way to see it is to click on the Office button and start to open another
workbook, but then just dismiss the dialog. You may see your workbook open
after this. (Ctrl-O, then escape may work???)

Currently, there isn't a fix--just workarounds.

 

[Bob I]

Try enabling one of the Excel Addins. Solver for instance, and then see
if your file "opens".