Shared Workbook is "in use by another user"

[Sara M]

I created a shared workbook and today I am unable to open it as it is "in use
by another user" and it is "locked for editing." This shouldn't happen if
it's shared, should it? I can open it as read-only, but that defeats the
purpose of having a shared document. What might make this happen and how can
I fix it?

(The workbook is a basic scheduling tool for staff to type when they leave
the office, why, and when they will be back. I anticipate that most of the
folks will open the file, enter their data, save, and close. Two-four of use
might keep it open off and on throughout the day to track employees
whereabouts. The workbook is saved to a Shared Data folder on our server that
everyone has access to.)

 

[Sean Timmons]

This can happen if another user is actively openng or saving the file as you
are attempting to open it. An alternative is to move the data to Access,
which allows sharing much more easily.

 

[Phil Smith]

If Someone opens a spreadsheet for read-write, no-one else can. Simple
as that. Excel is not multiuser, so "shared" or not, only one person
can have it open at a time to make changes.

Putting it in a shared folder simply means other people can access it.
Does not mean they can access it all at the same time.

Phil

 

[Arceedee]

Phil thats not correct. There is a facility which allows a workbook that is
accessed via a shared folder for multiusers to edit. In 2007 select 'Review'

Share workbook > tick box to allow more than one user to edit.

For more help see the Excel Help under 'Share a workbook'