Windows 10: Shared Excel-files "Locked" by another user, seemingly spontaneously.

Version: Excel 2016
Operating Systems: Windows 7 + Windows 10
File location: Normal SMB-shared network locations

Hi TenForums, I have a small issue that is occurring multiple times a month. I am looking for a way to get started in troubleshooting this and hopefully solving it.

The following scenario is made up for simplicity, but it is actually very close to the actual case: Multiple computers and multiple users and the problem does not occur only for one Excel-file, usually when they contact me it is a different file every time and it can be stored on any network location, doesn't make a difference.

When someone opens an Excel-file that is supposed to be shared, then an error message may appear saying the file has been locked by <person>. This is all fine and dandy, but when you get to <person> and ask them to unlock it, then they have no idea what you're talking about. The point is: It wasn't actually <person> who locked it, it just happened somehow. This can also be verified by checking the AD-logs which confirms that every time a person "denies it", it is actually true. It seems that some files lock themselves, or the file doesn't realize that it should be unlocked.

This usually solves itself within a few hours, but I would really like a tip on how to start troubleshooting this. The absolute best would be to write a script and deploy it to the target machine every time they contact us.

Thanks for any help.

Kind regards

:)

 

Excel files only open/save slow on network share

• Opening any Excel file, even an empty Excel file from any network share located on any machine on this domain network results in slow performance. When opening a file, Excel will state: "Downloading: <path name>", then will say "Processing...", then will
  say "Opening: <path name>", then will say "Processing...", and then finally opens. Once open the file performs normally.
  
• The Save process is equally slow for any Excel file saving to a Network Share
• Opening these same files locally on any machine is fast.
• Opening any other file type on these shares is fast, including Word, pdf, jpg, etc. of much larger size than the Excel files.
  
• The slow performance is seen on all machines on the network.

It seems like this would be a network issue but I'm not sure where to start. Again it only affects Excel files, nothing else. But it affects all Excel files.

Some machines here are Windows 7 running Office 2010, but the same slow behavior is seen on Windows 10 machines running Office 365.

 

View Windows lock file on Excel

Hello,

To better assist you with the issue, please answer these questions.

• What version of Excel are you using?
• What is the exact error message you're receiving?

We suggest that you use
Excel Online if you have a group that is trying to collaborate in one Excel file.

We look forward to your update.

 

CSV files used to open in Excel....not now!


Hi, you say Excel is installed. Does it run normally?

You can't find Excel in (an unspecified) list of applications. I don't know which list that is for sure.

For example, in the list related to:
- rt click a file. Open With
- this list:



- this list:




- some other list...

If Excel does not appear in the above, I suggest you repair your office installation.

Maybe the above gives you some ideas. Otherwise please post a screenshot of where you think you should see it but don't. Thanks.