Page Settings & Hidden Cells Don't Save

[Celestialkat]

I use an Excel shared workbook with multiple users in at a time. We've used
this set-up for years with no problems. Starting last month, however, when
certain users open the workbook, it erases the page settings (the rows to
repeat at the top, columns on the side, etc) and print area, as well as any
cells previously hidden become unhidden.

For the other users, this only happens if we open the workbook after the
users who have the problem; otherwise, the workbook's settings aren't
changed. No user is going in and phsyically changing this, as it happens
even when the sheets are protected.

Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Jan Karel Pieterse]

Hi Celestialkat,

I use an Excel shared workbook with multiple users in at a time. We've used
this set-up for years with no problems. Starting last month, however, when
certain users open the workbook, it erases the page settings (the rows to
repeat at the top, columns on the side, etc) and print area, as well as any
cells previously hidden become unhidden.

I don't have an answer to your problem I'm afraid. I can only say: "O dear,
once again someone who experiences trouble with shared workbooks." Since I have
seen so many problems with them I always advise against using that "feature" of
Excel. Excel simply wasn't made with a multi-user scenario in mind.

The problem you report here is -believe me- a mild one. You risk far worse
problems, like complete loss of the workbook (due to corruption), loss of data,
....

If you insist on continuing to use Excel for this task (But I wholeheartedly
recommend you to switch to a database application, possibly Access), please
make sure you create very regular backups!!!

Regards,

Jan Karel Pieterse
Excel MVP
http://www.jkp-ads.com
Member of:
Professional Office Developer Association
www.proofficedev.com