Open Multiple Instances of Excel

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tony
  • Start date Start date
T

Tony

Hi All,

I'm looking for a way to get Excel to open multiple instances so that I can
easily view two workbooks at a time in a dual monitor setup. Essentially, I
don't want to have to Alt-Tab between them when viewing in a maximized
window. I know I can do this with shortcuts but I'd prefer, if possible, to
modify the Open action of the .xls extension so that whenever I click a
workbook it will open a new instance of Excel.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm using Excel 2000.

Thanks & Ciao,

Tony
 
Tools > Options > GeneralTab.......check "Ignore Other Applications"

Vaya con Dios,
Chuck, CABGx3
 
Hey CLR,

Thanks for the suggestion - it works, kinda. This allows me to open
multiple instances but when I attempt to open an existing workbook, Excel
launches but the worksheet does not.

Any other tips?

Thanks
 
Sorry Tony..........I dunno of anything else.........maybe it's a Windows
thing, Folder Options, File Type, etc etc...........or maybe somebody else
knows.

Vaya con Dios,
Chuck, CABGx3
 
What version of Excel are you running Tony? I just tried Chuck's method and
it worked perfectly. Whether I opened Excel with a blank file, from a list
in Windows Explorer or the Open function in Excel it worked. I'm in Office
2003
 
How about just starting another instance via
Windows Start button|run
type:
excel
(and hit enter)

I've always had trouble with files/paths that contain spaces when I change that
setting (checking ignore other applications). If there is no space in the path
and filename, then it works fine, though.
 
Hey Chuck,

No need to apologize... I appreciate any suggestions anyone offers. I
realize this is a 'feature' of Office 2K, but it would be nice to be able to
easily change the setting in options. There's probably a way to do it and
if I come across it soon I'll post back.

Thanks again & Ciao,

Tony
 
Hi Suzette,

I'm using Office 2K, WinXP. CLR's method does, indeed, work well with
opening blank books but what I'm trying to do is to open two populated books
to compare them. Not a big deal but thought there might be an easy way to
accomplish it. Any suggestions you can offer are appreciated.

Thanks & Ciao,

Tony
 
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the post. I know I can do that but my laziness is overtaking me
as I get older. I'll moving my .xlt file to a location with no spaces in
the path & see what happens. If it's successful, I'll post back.

Thanks & Ciao,

Tony
 
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