Issues trying to open an existing workbook

**dcoates** · 08-13-2009, 08:41 AM

This morning when I tried to open an existing Excel workbook, it tells me that it is already open. There is nothing on the screen. I closed Excel (using 2003 version) and restarted computer also. I tried to open the file again - nothing shows up on the screen. When I attempt to open the file again I get a message that says "(file name).xls is already open. Reopening will cause any changes you made to be discarded. Do you want to reopen (file name).xls?". Even if I reopen the file, it still does not show up on the screen. Can anyone tell me what has happened to my file that I was using yesterday? And how can I remedy this issue?

Thanks so much in advance,
DCoates

**oldchippy** · 08-13-2009, 09:52 AM

Hi,

It may be already open as you say but actually off the screen altogether. Does anything show on the bottom of the screen with the XL symbol on, if so right click > Restore.

Does that work?

**dcoates** · 08-13-2009, 11:56 AM

Nothing shows at the bottom of the screen. Even when I try to open the file, the prompt in the bottom left hand corner will show the word "Ready". I have checked the Window menu and the only thing that shows up there is 1Book1. I have left Excel open and closed the Book1 spreadsheet, but still no other files are showing in the review window.

**dcoates** · 08-13-2009, 12:20 PM

I finally got it to show. I started searching through various menu items and came across under the Window menu the word unhide... So I tried it and another window appeared with the name of my file I was looking for. Somehow I must have hit the hide button at some point. At least it is now fixed and hopefully this thread will help someone in the future as this formum has helped me many times over.

Thanks for your quick response and keep up the good work.

Dcoates