'Unable to read' file

[Peter Martin]

Hello,
I have Office 97 but just use the Excel element. This
normally works ok but have had a number of occasions when
trying to open a file I get the message 'unable to read'.
The file on the previous occasion had no problem and
saved / printed etc. On trying a back-up disk copied
somewhile ago this too will not open with a message 'read
only file'. The Properties section still shows 'archive'

The floppy is only half full and the hard drive has plenty
of space. I work on windows 98

Is this a software or hardware problem please? I have had
to rewrite files several times and wish to find a way to
retrieve the information without hassle. I cannot believe
I am doing something to cause the problem.

Can you help please?

Thanks
Peter Martin

 

[Nick Hodge]

Peter

A floppy...now remind me....;-)

Excel does not handle these well. When sving and Excel file it will attempt
to save a 'copy' of the current file under a random name and only when
complete, deletes the original. Hence if you are saving to a floppy that is
half full, it will not fit.

Better to save to the local or network drive and copy the file to the floppy

--
HTH
Nick Hodge
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Southampton, England
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Peter Martin]

Nick,
Thanks for your reply.
I have 505KB free on the disc and the file is only
20KB.This should surely not give a problem. What do you
think?
Peter

 

[Nick Hodge]

Peter

Shouldn't cause issues, but I would still take the route of saving to hard
drive and then copying.

Are you using the native format to save and not a hybrid (XL95 & XL97/2000)
for example?

--
HTH
Nick Hodge
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Southampton, England
(e-mail address removed)