Faulty "file in use" message

I created an Excel file with 23 worksheets and 50-60 internal hyperlinks (~1MB). Excel (and Windows) thinks this file is "in use" once I open it and close it and then even after I close Excel. For example, I can't edit the file name or delete the file -- I get an "in use" message (which is not correct since I've closed Excel). I AM able to rename/ trash if I reboot and then just go to the folder with the file. The first time I open the file I don't get the "in use" message. But, after I open it and then close/ save it, any subsequent attempts to open it give me the "file in use" message (unless I rebott and then the same chain of events occurs each time I do that). I am allowed to open it in Excel as "read only. "

I've checked the "processes" tab in task manager and I see nothing to suggest any Excel components continue to run after closing Excel.

This problem has not occurred on any other Excel file I've created before or since. The problem does happen on any (renamed) copies I save of the original. I even "cut and pasted" every sheet from the original workbook into a new workbook and that "new" file gives me the same problem. I also eliminated all of the internal hyperlinks; doing so does not solve the problem. This file (and its progeny) is not marked as "read only" in its properties. Somehow, Windows thinks this file is "in use" even after it is closed and even after Excel is closed.

I'm running Windows XP, Office XP on an IBM T60 Thinkpad.

 

Hi JP and welcome!

Try dumping all of your temps. You may get lucky. Use a 3rd party method or Windows method - even a batch file for that or you can do it manually as well. Use your preferred method or my batch below.

Copy that to Notepad and save as tempzap.bat or whatever .bat you prefer. It makes for a quick cleaning.

If that doesn't solve your problem, you'll be beyond my help since it sounds like you may have some loop created that won't release the resources. That can get very convoluted and only you know where those links point.

Maybe find a forum dedicated to Excel for some expert assistance.

Good luck.