Excel files in separate program windows

Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.

Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
"Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
to have two separate worksheet programs open.

Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
"Open Files in Own Program Window"?

----------------
This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
click "I Agree" in the message pane.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

You must be very thick having the nerve asking the same question in a peer to
peer NG after your rude behaviour earlier, this is not MS helpdesk.

Excel does not have this functionality regardless of what you think, 2002
didn't have it, 2000 didn't have it etc, Word has it, only way is to select
ignore other applications and open 2 independent copies of Excel


Regards,

Peo Sjoblom

"Jason Dove" wrote:

> Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
>
> Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> to have two separate worksheet programs open.
>
> Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
>
> ----------------
> This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> click "I Agree" in the message pane.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

Thanks, but that doesn't answer the question.

"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

> You must be very thick having the nerve asking the same question in a peer to
> peer NG after your rude behaviour earlier, this is not MS helpdesk.
>
> Excel does not have this functionality regardless of what you think, 2002
> didn't have it, 2000 didn't have it etc, Word has it, only way is to select
> ignore other applications and open 2 independent copies of Excel
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Peo Sjoblom
>
> "Jason Dove" wrote:
>
> > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
> >
> > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
> >
> > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
> >
> > ----------------
> > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

On the contrary, Peo DID answer your question. The option you seek isn't and
wasn't a 'feature' of Excel, or certainly not any recent version of Excel. I
haven't used Excel 97 for a *long* time, so can't swear about that version,
but would bet that you are in error in your assertion.

Certainly you have never been able to use Excel's File>Open menu to create
what you have called an 'exterior' window, or what sounds like a separate
instance of Excel.

Moreover, what possible functional value is there to what you seek that
cannot be gained from the "Windows in Taskbar" view option?




"Jason Dove" wrote:

> Thanks, but that doesn't answer the question.
>
> "Peo Sjoblom" wrote:
>
> > You must be very thick having the nerve asking the same question in a peer to
> > peer NG after your rude behaviour earlier, this is not MS helpdesk.
> >
> > Excel does not have this functionality regardless of what you think, 2002
> > didn't have it, 2000 didn't have it etc, Word has it, only way is to select
> > ignore other applications and open 2 independent copies of Excel
> >
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Peo Sjoblom
> >
> > "Jason Dove" wrote:
> >
> > > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> > > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> > > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
> > >
> > > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> > > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> > > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> > > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> > > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
> > >
> > > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> > > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> > > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
> > >
> > > ----------------
> > > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> > >
> > > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

I apologize, but you are mistaken, and the question was not answered.

Prior to Excel 2003, Excel would open in separate program window whenever an
additional file was opened. For an example of what would appear on your
computer screen, please open Microsoft Word. Open a file and change the
shape of the window into the right corner. While still in that window, go to
File -> Open and choose a second file. A new window should open and you
should be able to move that file down to the left corner. Now you have two
separate windows of Word open with which you can work. This same
functionality was available in Excel; however, it seems to no longer be the
default.

We gain absolutely no functionality with the "Windows in Taskbar". I'm not
sure how it becomes added benefit to have to tab between windows when
separate windows can be opened simultaneously on the computer screen. My
company uses Excel spreadsheets extensively and have no need to "compare"
spreedsheets, but rather have several open while working. It requires time
and, therefore, money, to have to tab through several spreadsheets to get the
one we need up when they could be open in separate windows. That is how we
preformed work prior to Windows 2003 and since our upgrade we have been
trying to reestablish that setting to make work easier for all our users.

The Same Program Window may be great for you, but it's not a functionality
that has benefitted our company.



"Duke Carey" wrote:

> On the contrary, Peo DID answer your question. The option you seek isn't and
> wasn't a 'feature' of Excel, or certainly not any recent version of Excel. I
> haven't used Excel 97 for a *long* time, so can't swear about that version,
> but would bet that you are in error in your assertion.
>
> Certainly you have never been able to use Excel's File>Open menu to create
> what you have called an 'exterior' window, or what sounds like a separate
> instance of Excel.
>
> Moreover, what possible functional value is there to what you seek that
> cannot be gained from the "Windows in Taskbar" view option?
>
>
>
>
> "Jason Dove" wrote:
>
> > Thanks, but that doesn't answer the question.
> >
> > "Peo Sjoblom" wrote:
> >
> > > You must be very thick having the nerve asking the same question in a peer to
> > > peer NG after your rude behaviour earlier, this is not MS helpdesk.
> > >
> > > Excel does not have this functionality regardless of what you think, 2002
> > > didn't have it, 2000 didn't have it etc, Word has it, only way is to select
> > > ignore other applications and open 2 independent copies of Excel
> > >
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Peo Sjoblom
> > >
> > > "Jason Dove" wrote:
> > >
> > > > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> > > > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> > > > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
> > > >
> > > > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> > > > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> > > > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> > > > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> > > > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
> > > >
> > > > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> > > > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> > > > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
> > > >
> > > > ----------------
> > > > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > > > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > > > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > > > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > > > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

All you describe below is nothing more than restoring or 'de-maximizing' a
window. I have Excel 2003 running right now. By default each file is
maximized. If, however, you click on the WORKSHEET'S restore button, it
will shrink in size a little and then allow you to resize that sheet just as
you describe below. Open another file and resize to your wishes. Common,
everyday Windows behavior

If this is all you need, then you did a very poor job of describing your
issue, and bear the responsibility for wasting others' time, instead of, as
you claimed, that others trying to help were wasting your time. You were
horribly rude and boorish


"Jason Dove" <JasonDove@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8A312CCA-4812-4F61-8EE8-5403A59B708F@microsoft.com...
>I apologize, but you are mistaken, and the question was not answered.
>
> Prior to Excel 2003, Excel would open in separate program window whenever
> an
> additional file was opened. For an example of what would appear on your
> computer screen, please open Microsoft Word. Open a file and change the
> shape of the window into the right corner. While still in that window, go
> to
> File -> Open and choose a second file. A new window should open and you
> should be able to move that file down to the left corner. Now you have
> two
> separate windows of Word open with which you can work. This same
> functionality was available in Excel; however, it seems to no longer be
> the
> default.
>
> We gain absolutely no functionality with the "Windows in Taskbar". I'm
> not
> sure how it becomes added benefit to have to tab between windows when
> separate windows can be opened simultaneously on the computer screen. My
> company uses Excel spreadsheets extensively and have no need to "compare"
> spreedsheets, but rather have several open while working. It requires
> time
> and, therefore, money, to have to tab through several spreadsheets to get
> the
> one we need up when they could be open in separate windows. That is how
> we
> preformed work prior to Windows 2003 and since our upgrade we have been
> trying to reestablish that setting to make work easier for all our users.
>
> The Same Program Window may be great for you, but it's not a functionality
> that has benefitted our company.
>
>
>
> "Duke Carey" wrote:
>
>> On the contrary, Peo DID answer your question. The option you seek isn't
>> and
>> wasn't a 'feature' of Excel, or certainly not any recent version of
>> Excel. I
>> haven't used Excel 97 for a *long* time, so can't swear about that
>> version,
>> but would bet that you are in error in your assertion.
>>
>> Certainly you have never been able to use Excel's File>Open menu to
>> create
>> what you have called an 'exterior' window, or what sounds like a separate
>> instance of Excel.
>>
>> Moreover, what possible functional value is there to what you seek that
>> cannot be gained from the "Windows in Taskbar" view option?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "Jason Dove" wrote:
>>
>> > Thanks, but that doesn't answer the question.
>> >
>> > "Peo Sjoblom" wrote:
>> >
>> > > You must be very thick having the nerve asking the same question in a
>> > > peer to
>> > > peer NG after your rude behaviour earlier, this is not MS helpdesk.
>> > >
>> > > Excel does not have this functionality regardless of what you think,
>> > > 2002
>> > > didn't have it, 2000 didn't have it etc, Word has it, only way is to
>> > > select
>> > > ignore other applications and open 2 independent copies of Excel
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Regards,
>> > >
>> > > Peo Sjoblom
>> > >
>> > > "Jason Dove" wrote:
>> > >
>> > > > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the
>> > > > files would
>> > > > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still
>> > > > exists with
>> > > > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
>> > > >
>> > > > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools ->
>> > > > Options
>> > > > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two
>> > > > Separate
>> > > > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method
>> > > > has been
>> > > > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different
>> > > > worksheets, I want
>> > > > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
>> > > >
>> > > > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is
>> > > > opened can
>> > > > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools ->
>> > > > Options -> View
>> > > > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
>> > > >
>> > > > ----------------
>> > > > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to
>> > > > the
>> > > > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click
>> > > > the "I
>> > > > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button,
>> > > > follow this
>> > > > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader
>> > > > and then
>> > > > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
>> > > >
>> > > > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

I know what you're hitting here, Jason, and I think I got a solution
for you. The problem is that double-clicking a spreadsheet doesn't open
a new instance of Excel, it opens it in the current one. Then when you
click the close "x" in the upper right hand corner of the window, it
closes ALL your workbooks, not just the current one. This is not
consistent with the way Word works. Perhaps on some level it is
consistent, but it obviously breaks user expectation or there wouldn't
be so many questions about it.

The answer involves changing the file association stuff in windows. Go
to explorer, choose tools, then folder options. Click the File Types
tab. Scroll down to the XLS extension. Click the Advanced button.
Choose "open", then click the edit button.

At the end of the "Application used" entry, you'll probably see: /e
After this, add: "%1" (be sure to include the quotes.)

Then uncheck the "Use DDE" checkbox. Then click OK. (Windows re-checks
it at some point for some reason, but it still works)

OK your way out of the file types dialog.

Now when you double-click a spreadsheet, it will open it in a new
instance of Excel.

Hope it helps!

Dave




Jason Dove wrote:
> I apologize, but you are mistaken, and the question was not answered.
>
> Prior to Excel 2003, Excel would open in separate program window whenever an
> additional file was opened. For an example of what would appear on your
> computer screen, please open Microsoft Word. Open a file and change the
> shape of the window into the right corner. While still in that window, go to
> File -> Open and choose a second file. A new window should open and you
> should be able to move that file down to the left corner. Now you have two
> separate windows of Word open with which you can work. This same
> functionality was available in Excel; however, it seems to no longer be the
> default.
>
> We gain absolutely no functionality with the "Windows in Taskbar". I'm not
> sure how it becomes added benefit to have to tab between windows when
> separate windows can be opened simultaneously on the computer screen. My
> company uses Excel spreadsheets extensively and have no need to "compare"
> spreedsheets, but rather have several open while working. It requires time
> and, therefore, money, to have to tab through several spreadsheets to get the
> one we need up when they could be open in separate windows. That is how we
> preformed work prior to Windows 2003 and since our upgrade we have been
> trying to reestablish that setting to make work easier for all our users.
>
> The Same Program Window may be great for you, but it's not a functionality
> that has benefitted our company.
>
>

I am sorry if this was misunderstood as a question.

It was posted as a suggestion to find a setting that occurred with Excel 2000.


"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

> You must be very thick having the nerve asking the same question in a peer to
> peer NG after your rude behaviour earlier, this is not MS helpdesk.
>
> Excel does not have this functionality regardless of what you think, 2002
> didn't have it, 2000 didn't have it etc, Word has it, only way is to select
> ignore other applications and open 2 independent copies of Excel
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Peo Sjoblom
>
> "Jason Dove" wrote:
>
> > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
> >
> > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
> >
> > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
> >
> > ----------------
> > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

Dear Peo,

First, as a MVP your tone is completely unprofessional. Second of all, the
more important issue is Microsoft's complete lack of consistency between
programs when they tote this as been such (as you clearly demonstrated).
This is simply identifies another lack of inconsistency between programs and
now, even versions, which frustrates dedicated users of MS products. I will
note that the office suite is getting much better and many kudos to the
developers for going in the right direction.

Cheers!

"Peo Sjoblom" wrote:

> You must be very thick having the nerve asking the same question in a peer to
> peer NG after your rude behaviour earlier, this is not MS helpdesk.
>
> Excel does not have this functionality regardless of what you think, 2002
> didn't have it, 2000 didn't have it etc, Word has it, only way is to select
> ignore other applications and open 2 independent copies of Excel
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Peo Sjoblom
>
> "Jason Dove" wrote:
>
> > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
> >
> > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
> >
> > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
> >
> > ----------------
> > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

I came across these entertaining threads while trying to find an answer to the same question. The only reason I even registered here is to announce that I have found the solution, and would be glad to share it with any of the users on this site whose name doesn't rhyme with "Bason Bove".

K so I read through this thread and realized, this isn't a community for helping it's a community for ragging on people when you think they don't have all the information,

the action the user is requesting is quite avaible found HERE

I find it frustrating when I click the larger of the two x's in excel and all the windows close or you cant have different worksheets shaped differently because the spreadsheets are organized differently.

Before you go making ASSumptions about things, find all the information first

Please do share the answer!

> Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened
> can be opened in its own Program Window?

These two different ways might help get separate windows for different
excel documents.

#1. From the Windows "Start" menu, use the cascaded menu to open Excel.
Once Excel is running, use "File >> Open" to open an Excel file. Repeat the
steps for the second file.

#2. Point to an Excel file on the desktop or in a folder. With the right
mouse button, click "Send To >> Excel". Repeat the steps for the second
file.

For #2, you might not see "Excel" in the "Send To" menu at first. To add it
there, put a shortcut to the Excel program into the folder
C:\Windows\SendTo\

By the way, if you have two files of the same name in different folders,
this allows you to have both open at the same time.

(I have Windows 98.)

Yes Jay. That does work. If you are currently in Excel 98, Go to Start
Button and open up Excel 98.
1. Open a file.
2. Double click on the Green Bar at the top of the Excel program. It should
shrink down in size, but not minimize to the tool bar.
3. Go to File -> Open in that window and choose a second file. (Although
this will not allow you to open a file with the same name, you should be able
to open a second file.
4. Now move the second file on the screen.

"Jay" wrote:

> > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened
> > can be opened in its own Program Window?
>
> These two different ways might help get separate windows for different
> excel documents.
>
> #1. From the Windows "Start" menu, use the cascaded menu to open Excel.
> Once Excel is running, use "File >> Open" to open an Excel file. Repeat the
> steps for the second file.
>
> #2. Point to an Excel file on the desktop or in a folder. With the right
> mouse button, click "Send To >> Excel". Repeat the steps for the second
> file.
>
> For #2, you might not see "Excel" in the "Send To" menu at first. To add it
> there, put a shortcut to the Excel program into the folder
> C:\Windows\SendTo\
>
> By the way, if you have two files of the same name in different folders,
> this allows you to have both open at the same time.
>
> (I have Windows 98.)
>

Jason,

Here's how I get around the problem you describe.

For Excel files that I use regularly, I build a shortcut where under the
Shortcut tab, in the Target box, I place the filespec for the Excel
executable in quotes, for example:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE"

Then a space, and finally the filespec for the particular Excel file I wish
to open, for example:

"[filepath]\[filename]"

So, the full string in the Target box reads:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "[filepath]\[filename]"

If my Excel file was named 'MyExcelFile.xls' and happened to be in the
'C:\Temp' folder, the Target box would read:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "C:\Temp\MyExcelFile.xls"

With the shortcut configured in this manner, a new instance, i.e., a
completely new and separate Excel application, opens when I use this
shortcut, regardless of how many Excel files are currently open.

Hope this helps,

Richard Cook


"Jason Dove" wrote:

> Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
>
> Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> to have two separate worksheet programs open.
>
> Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
>
> ----------------
> This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> click "I Agree" in the message pane.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

Thanks for the information Richard.

The ultimate purpose of this suggestion is for Microsoft to take notice of
the comments and bring back the ability to open separate windows of excel
when opening a new or an existing file.

"Richard Cook" wrote:

> Jason,
>
> Here's how I get around the problem you describe.
>
> For Excel files that I use regularly, I build a shortcut where under the
> Shortcut tab, in the Target box, I place the filespec for the Excel
> executable in quotes, for example:
>
> "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE"
>
> Then a space, and finally the filespec for the particular Excel file I wish
> to open, for example:
>
> "[filepath]\[filename]"
>
> So, the full string in the Target box reads:
>
> "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "[filepath]\[filename]"
>
> If my Excel file was named 'MyExcelFile.xls' and happened to be in the
> 'C:\Temp' folder, the Target box would read:
>
> "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "C:\Temp\MyExcelFile.xls"
>
> With the shortcut configured in this manner, a new instance, i.e., a
> completely new and separate Excel application, opens when I use this
> shortcut, regardless of how many Excel files are currently open.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Richard Cook
>
>
> "Jason Dove" wrote:
>
> > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
> >
> > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
> >
> > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
> >
> > ----------------
> > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

Jason I also work with multiple spreadsheets open and can't stand having them
stacked into one window. It is a pain to have to open new window each time
prior to opening a saved file. I remember there used to be an option to open
files in a new window or open files in an existing window. They need to put
that back so we can choose what works best without creating a work around.

"Jason Dove" wrote:

> Thanks for the information Richard.
>
> The ultimate purpose of this suggestion is for Microsoft to take notice of
> the comments and bring back the ability to open separate windows of excel
> when opening a new or an existing file.
>
> "Richard Cook" wrote:
>
> > Jason,
> >
> > Here's how I get around the problem you describe.
> >
> > For Excel files that I use regularly, I build a shortcut where under the
> > Shortcut tab, in the Target box, I place the filespec for the Excel
> > executable in quotes, for example:
> >
> > "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE"
> >
> > Then a space, and finally the filespec for the particular Excel file I wish
> > to open, for example:
> >
> > "[filepath]\[filename]"
> >
> > So, the full string in the Target box reads:
> >
> > "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "[filepath]\[filename]"
> >
> > If my Excel file was named 'MyExcelFile.xls' and happened to be in the
> > 'C:\Temp' folder, the Target box would read:
> >
> > "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "C:\Temp\MyExcelFile.xls"
> >
> > With the shortcut configured in this manner, a new instance, i.e., a
> > completely new and separate Excel application, opens when I use this
> > shortcut, regardless of how many Excel files are currently open.
> >
> > Hope this helps,
> >
> > Richard Cook
> >
> >
> > "Jason Dove" wrote:
> >
> > > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
> > > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
> > > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
> > >
> > > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
> > > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
> > > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
> > > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
> > > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
> > >
> > > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
> > > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
> > > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
> > >
> > > ----------------
> > > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
> > > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
> > > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
> > > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
> > > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
> > >
> > > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

On Fri, 27 Jan 2006 09:37:02 -0800, "Paula"
<Paula@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Jason I also work with multiple spreadsheets open and can't stand having them
>stacked into one window. It is a pain to have to open new window each time
>prior to opening a saved file. I remember there used to be an option to open
>files in a new window or open files in an existing window. They need to put
>that back so we can choose what works best without creating a work around.
>
>"Jason Dove" wrote:
>
>> Thanks for the information Richard.
>>
>> The ultimate purpose of this suggestion is for Microsoft to take notice of
>> the comments and bring back the ability to open separate windows of excel
>> when opening a new or an existing file.
>>
>> "Richard Cook" wrote:
>>
>> > Jason,
>> >
>> > Here's how I get around the problem you describe.
>> >
>> > For Excel files that I use regularly, I build a shortcut where under the
>> > Shortcut tab, in the Target box, I place the filespec for the Excel
>> > executable in quotes, for example:
>> >
>> > "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE"
>> >
>> > Then a space, and finally the filespec for the particular Excel file I wish
>> > to open, for example:
>> >
>> > "[filepath]\[filename]"
>> >
>> > So, the full string in the Target box reads:
>> >
>> > "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "[filepath]\[filename]"
>> >
>> > If my Excel file was named 'MyExcelFile.xls' and happened to be in the
>> > 'C:\Temp' folder, the Target box would read:
>> >
>> > "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\EXCEL.EXE" "C:\Temp\MyExcelFile.xls"
>> >
>> > With the shortcut configured in this manner, a new instance, i.e., a
>> > completely new and separate Excel application, opens when I use this
>> > shortcut, regardless of how many Excel files are currently open.
>> >
>> > Hope this helps,
>> >
>> > Richard Cook
>> >
>> >
>> > "Jason Dove" wrote:
>> >
>> > > Prior to Windows 2003, when opening different excel files, the files would
>> > > open in their own Excel Programs windows. This feature still exists with
>> > > Word 2003, but I have not seen this feature in Excel.
>> > >
>> > > Methods suggested to mimic this setting is to go to Tools -> Options
>> > > "Windows in Taskbar" or "Ignore Other Applications" or Open Two Separate
>> > > Programs from the Start Menu. Also the Window -> "Compare" method has been
>> > > suggested; however, I don't want to compare two different worksheets, I want
>> > > to have two separate worksheet programs open.
>> > >
>> > > Is there a setting available so that each file of Excel that is opened can
>> > > be opened in its own Program Window? For Example, Tools -> Options -> View
>> > > "Open Files in Own Program Window"?
>> > >
>> > > ----------------
>> > > This post is a suggestion for Microsoft, and Microsoft responds to the
>> > > suggestions with the most votes. To vote for this suggestion, click the "I
>> > > Agree" button in the message pane. If you do not see the button, follow this
>> > > link to open the suggestion in the Microsoft Web-based Newsreader and then
>> > > click "I Agree" in the message pane.
>> > >
>> > > http://www.microsoft.com/office/comm...lic.excel.misc

Would "Tools" "Options" "View" & check "Windows in Taskbar" get what
you want?

Don S

"Don S" wrote:
> Would "Tools" "Options" "View" & check "Windows in Taskbar" get what
> you want?
>
> Don S
>

I found this when I came to ask for the same functionality in Excel and in
PowerPoint. The option above makes it even less user friendly, as far as I
can tell. When you choose that option, you can't switch between worksheets
via the taskbar at all. What we want is to have two Excel spreadsheets open
at the same time so that you can see and use both at once. The above
suggestion to have Excel open a new instance works, but not if you open a new
spreadsheet from within Excel, itself. I want to be able to have 5 windows,
each with a separate worksheet, all of which I can see at once (or at least
enough to click to pull it to the front). I use two monitors, so it's easy
to be productive this way.

Excel on the Mac works this way, but I'm on a PC, now. I vote for changing
it on the PC!

-John Weglian

Bringing this back again because I would like to point out that despite all rumors to the contrary it appears that Microsoft do actually read some of these questions, and the feature to have two working excel spreadsheets open for viewing and working on at the same time was added in Office 2007. Very useful for copy and pasting from one sheet to another or just to have information on hand for studying differences.
Excel 2007 View - Arrange all.

Now if future office programs would bring back Office 2003 voice recognition, that could be sweet.

from Chrissie