Excel File in Use - wrong user

Cloud_Geek_82 831 Reputation points
2021-01-11T21:16:09.927+00:00

Hi guys,

There is an Excel file created by a user (say User_A).
(This is the only file from many other Excel files that behaves this way.)
Normally when an Excel file is already opened the next user can see who opened that file from a popup warning.
However, with this file no matter who opens this file the next user for some reason gets a notification that the file in use by user User_A.

55489-excel-nb.jpg

The problem is that when someone needs to open that file they contact User_A whereas indeed it is opened by someone else.
If someone could shed some light why it could be so and how to fix it that would be great.

Excel Management
Excel Management
Excel: A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.Management: The act or process of organizing, handling, directing or controlling something.
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Accepted answer
  1. Emi Zhang-MSFT 23,351 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-01-12T09:55:20.51+00:00

    Hi @Cloud_Geek_82 ,
    I suggest you go to the same directory of the problem file and check if there is an hidden file with "~$" symbol with the same file name. If you can find this kind of file, please remove it and confirm if other users can open it. Then please make sure the User A have permission with Delete, try to provide the full permission to the User A.

    If this issue still existed, I suggest you confirm if this support article is helpful:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/excel-file-is-locked-for-editing-6fa93887-2c2c-45f0-abcc-31b04aed68b3


    If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.
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2 additional answers

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  1. Cloud_Geek_82 831 Reputation points
    2021-01-14T01:13:20.767+00:00

    Hi @Emi Zhang-MSFT ,

    Deleting ~ file with the same name seems resolved the issue.

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  2. GHAVAMIAN Charles 1 Reputation point
    2022-04-06T10:21:05.383+00:00

    Hi

    Same problem. But erasing the ~ file does not do it.
    At the end we have to save the file somewhere else. Erase the original file and ~ file if it exists and put the file back in its place.

    This problem comes and goes and I don't understand how to make disappear for good and it's really bother us.

    Thanks for any ideas.

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