XL: Can't Access File through Dynamic Data Exchange

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 5.0a
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

If the Ignore Other Applications option is selected in the Options dialog box in Microsoft Excel versions 5.0 and later, or if the Ignore Remote Requests option is selected in versions 2.x, 3.0 or 4.0, Microsoft Excel ignores all Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) requests from other programs.

When either of these options is selected, Microsoft Excel does not allow you to access the file from any program other than Microsoft Excel. The requests from other programs will be ignored, and one or more of the following problems may occur:

• When you attempt to open a Microsoft Excel file from File Manager (or the Finder if you are using Microsoft Excel for the Apple Macintosh) or any program other than Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Excel is activated but the worksheet remains closed.
• Macros that are automatically opened are not executed when you open the worksheet from any program other than Microsoft Excel.
• You are not able to print files by dragging them from the File Manager to the Print Manager. (Microsoft Excel for Windows only)

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, do the following to disable the Ignore Other Applications option, or the Ignore Remote Requests option.

Microsoft Excel Versions 5.0 and Later

To work around this behavior in Microsoft Excel 5.0 or later, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options. Select the General tab.

2. Clear the Ignore Other Applications check box and click OK.

Microsoft Excel Versions 2.x, 3.0, and 4.0

To work around this behavior in Microsoft Excel 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0, follow these steps:

1. On the Options menu, click Workspace.

2. In the Workspace Options dialog box, clear the Ignore Remote Requests check box and click OK.

REFERENCES

"User's Guide 2," version 4.0, pages 132-134