Auto update open excel file.

[pandp]

Hi All,

The problem:

I have been asked to setup several monitors around the plant that will display an excel file "alpha", located on a network drive. This file is to be open at all times to be viewed by the workers.

Management wants to be able to update the file and after they are done, the update be displayed on the monitors.

I know that if the other computers close the file and reopen it, that would solve the problem. However, that is not an option.

Any ideas? Thank you!

pandp

[rollis13]

You could create a macro in the file that tests the network drive every now and then for the availability of a new file, then load it and close the current.

[pandp]

Interesting. Any idea on how to do that?

[rollis13]

Not at the moment. But I have the same goal and still searching in the forums .

[pandp]

I will let you know if I find anything.

edit... Just found this.

"In your excel file you need to enable workbook sharing (in 2007 it's the Review Ribbon, Share Workbook). On the advanced tab you can set the "Update changes" to an interval as low as 5 minutes and set it to "Just see other users' changes"."

I am unable to test it till next week....

[rollis13]

No, that's only for changes of the data other users made in a (shared) sheet, not for the presence of a new file.

[pandp]

Correct. That is what I am needing. In my case, it will be the same file, same sheet displayed.