opening a word document Read-Only locks the file - work around?

[RRBUTLER4]

Word 2003
1) opening a common document, locks the file
2) trying to open a locked document tells you who has it locked.
3) opening a document as Read-Only, locks the file (stupid)
4) trying to open a document that someone has open as Read-Only will not
open and will not tell you who has it locked.

Is this a bug or a feature?

 

[CyberTaz]

IMHO- As Word files are, by design, single-user, I would have to classify
those points as features. Although the logic behind your disdain in item #3
is quite valid, that is most likely attributable to OS restrictions rather
than Word's (first come - first served).

If you are truly looking for more workgroup flexibility, you may want to
investigate the SharePoint-based Shared WorkGroup feature. Perhaps that will
prove useful.

HTH |:>)