Excel 2007 : Excel 2007 Save Modes

**ravichander** · 07-09-2008, 07:20 PM

Excel 2007 presents different options for saving a file as. Which is the best option to run macros and yet have backward compatibility? Thanks.

**ratcat** · 07-09-2008, 07:47 PM

G'day

For Formulas

I my experience it best for backward compatibility is 97-2003 Workbook format.

When you save in 97-2003 format will pick up what can not be shown in older versions.

Eg If you used a SUMIFS formula, on saving document a compatibility box such pop up to tell you the value of the formula will return #NAME.

You can even default Excel 2007 to save in this mode.
This can be found in the Office button > Excel Options > Save > Save files in this format:

I can not see any reason why this should not do the same for macros.

Hope this helps

**ravichander** · 07-09-2008, 08:16 PM

Hi RatCat:

Thanks for the input.

In order to maintain backward compatibility, it is best to save in the 97-03 type - is what you are saying - right? This being the case, the macros will be blocked when the user opens the file, and will require the user to enable the macros - right?

I also observed that the default setting in the save mode does not want to handle a file with macros in it.

Thanks.

**ratcat** · 07-09-2008, 11:01 PM

G'day,

I have a basic marco sheet saved in 97-2003 format and I don't experience your problems.

It sound like you have to adjust the Security level to expect macros.

Office Button > Excel Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Setting > Macro Setting.

Mine at the moment is flagged at 'Disable all with notification'. This gives me the option to able or disable the macro attached to the workbook.

For the user on a Excel 2003 version has to do the same with the Macro security level.

It may help to digitally signed Trusted Certificate to the workbook.
I haven't worked that one out yet. (To attach a digitally signed Trusted Certificate).

Hope that helps

Cheers