XL7: Open Command Without SHIFT Opens Template for Editing

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you open a template file (.XLT) the file is opened for editing (even if you do not hold down the SHIFT key).

This behavior is different from earlier versions of Microsoft Excel. In earlier versions of Microsoft Excel, when you open a template file without holding down SHIFT, a copy of the template should be opened, rather than the template file itself.

CAUSE

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel version 7.0. In versions of Microsoft Excel previous to version 7.0, when you open a template file, such as SHEET.XLT, a copy of the file, SHEET1, is opened. However, in Microsoft Excel version 7.0, when you open a template file, the file is opened for editing (as if you opened a regular workbook file).

With the behavior in Microsoft Excel version 7.0, you can edit any template file by using the Open command, or the Open button on the Standard toolbar. You do not have to hold down the SHIFT key to open the file for editing as you do in previous versions of Microsoft Excel.

Note that this behavior is consistent with the behavior of templates in Microsoft Word for Windows.

WORKAROUND

To create a new worksheet, chart, macro, or workbook file based on a template file in Microsoft Excel version 7.0, do the following:

1. On the File menu, click the New command.

2. Click either the General tab, or the Spreadsheet Solutions tab.

3. Click the desired template file, and click OK.