Using Windows Excel 2003, File names automatically are created ??

[IMAGEREP]

At work, we're using a failrly large Excel file, about 22MB.
Lately and randomly, I am seeing Excel creating file names (with no
extensions!) such as for example, 9CCB1700 and 323C1700. These two were
created by Excel within minutes of each other and each nearly the same data
size as the file we're working on. Excel places the file in the same
directory as the file we're working on. Does anyone understand what's
happening?

 

[Dave Peterson]

When excel saves the file, it saves it as a temporary file with a funny name (8
characters--no extension) in the same folder.

If the save is successful, xl will delete the original (or rename it to its
backup name (like "backup of book1.xlk)) and if that's successful, xl will
rename the funny named file to the original's name.

If you're seeing that funny named file, then something is going wrong.

Common things that get blamed for interruptions to this process are antivirus
software poking its head in or network errors--either permissions or physical
problems.

 

[IMAGEREP]

Thx Dave
So this happens not when the save is manally done by the operator but when
xl does the auto save?
it's only happened a few times in the past 4 wks and it's a file we use
every day, all day long. the person using this file the most is working on
the Host PC, but I sometimes need to get the file from my networked PC.
Whenever I need to see it I have to make sure the Host PC does not have this
file in view or minimized. maybe this occured when I was reading the file
and the Host operator tried to bring it up? The good news is it appears this
mega sized file has not been corrupted. We back it up daily using Laplink.
imagerep

 

[Dave Peterson]

No, this happens when excel saves the file--no matter how the save was
initiated--either via the user clicking the save icon, File|Save, ctrl-s, or
even in a macro (including autosave).

I wouldn't think it occurs with autorecovery (in xl2002+)--but I've never looked
closely.

If you open windows explorer and traverse to the folder that holds that file and
then arrange the excel window and the windows explorer window, you'll even see
the file appear (and disappear if things go ok).

Since it happens intermittently, I wouldn't guess that it was a permissions
thing. My first guess is that you (or your coworker) is experiencing some sort
of hardware network problem--but that's just a guess from someone who doesn't do
hardware.

 

[IMAGEREP]

Thanks for your time Dave.
I'll just keep an eye on it as it does not seem to be a problem.. yet.
All the best
Steve