Template behaving like .xls file

[Bryan Linton]

I created a spreadsheet with SQL queries and macros for use by our sales
agents. I don't want them to overwrite it accidentally, so I saved it and
deployed it as an .xlt. However, on the two laptops to which I've deployed
it, it behaves like a normal .xls file, while on my machine it behaves as I
would expect...like an .xlt file. What I mean is this:

The file is called "Experience Rating - .xlt". When *I* open it, its new
name displays in the title bar: "Microsoft Excel - Experience Rating - 1".
But when it's opened on the computers in question, it shows: "Microsoft
Excel - Experience Rating - .xlt". I tried doing a "save" instead of a
"save as..." to see if excel would prevent me from overwriting it, but it
allowed the overwrite. I thought that wasn't supposed to be possible if
it's saved as a template.

If it makes a difference, I actually didn't save it as an .xlt...I renamed
it from .xls to .xlt. Should that matter?

Thanks,

Bryan

 

[GJones]

Hi Bryan;

Yes you have to save it out as a real XLT. If it has
macros I would also check with the other users to see if
they are being prompted about the macros and answering no
the the enable question. Not sure if that would affect it
but you for sure have to save it out as a real template.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[Mike Fogleman]

It also needs to be placed in Excel's Template folder, so when in Excel and
you choose File/New.. your.xlt file shows as a choice from the list. A user
would not normally just double-click on the xlt file, but choose it from a
list of templates.

Mike F

 

[Gord Dibben]

Bryan

If it makes a difference, I actually didn't save it as an .xlt...I renamed
it from .xls to .xlt. Should that matter?

Yes, it matters. Simply renaming an *.xls as *.xlt does a Template make.

You must save as>file type>ms excel template(*.xlt)

Just enter the name of the file with no extension. Excel will look after
that.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP