problems associated with shared workbooks

  • Thread starter Thread starter melvin
  • Start date Start date
M

melvin

Hi all,

I am aware of the reduced functionality of shared workbooks, however
are there any problems associated with sharing a workbook regarding
saving large files with multiple users?? I have several files each
around 2MB large that require 4 people to work on them simultaneously.
Does anyone foresee any problems with this set up - I'm a bit concerned
we might lose important data.

Thanks for any advice
 
Hi Melvin,

We have several shared Excel files that are accessed by 2-3 people. Been
doing it for 6+ years with with Office 95, 97, and now 2000, almost no
problems. Traveling members of the team take copies of the files with
them and merge when they come back to the office.

The only snag we had was using the Briefcase function on the laptops
once we upgraded to 97. Had to quit using it and do a manual merge, but
the results were fine. The folks working in the office have never had a
problem.

We have one file with a macro that gets updated periodically. To update
it we unshare the file (after notifying everyone to stay out), do the
modification, then re-share it.

I'd recommend testing the scenario before risking your data. Share a
COPY of the file, have everyone open it and make some edits, and see
what happens. If you use the auto save, make sure they all keep the file
open long enough for it to trigger. Then have everyone close the file
and re-open. If that works, I'd say you have it licked.

Jeff
 
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