XL: Protected File Opens Without Prompt for Password

 Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
Article ID: Q121214
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to open a shared password-protected file, and you receive the following alert message 

   File Reservation
   <filename> is being modified by
   <username>
   Open as Read-Only, or choose Notify to be alerted
   when it is available.
A workbook that normally requires a password may not prompt you for a password.

CAUSE

When you choose Cancel in the error message dialog box, the alert box is dismissed; however, if you open a file immediately after receiving the above error message, you will not receive a prompt for a password if the passwords for the two files are the same.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, do either of the following:

  • Save each document with a different password.

    -or-

  • Choose the Read-Only button instead of the Cancel button:

    1. Open the first document as Read-Only instead of choosing the Cancel 

          button

    2. Close the first document, and then open the second document.

KBCategory: kberrmsg
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 7.00 5.00 network server share



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Last reviewed: September 13, 1996
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