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How do I configure Excel to open a new instance of Excel each time I open an existing spreadsheet. I am sure I have done this once but I think network settings have removed this functionality. I am using Office 2010 on Vista.
A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.
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To resolve this, go to 'excel options' > click on the 'advanced' tab > scroll down to general > check the ignore other applications that use 'Dyanamic Data Exchange (DDE)'
excel 2007
This is a reply by Brian Tilman to a similar problem with 2007. I anticipate it will work with 2010 as well:
Open Windows Explorer and click Tools>Folder Options>File Types. Locate the XLSX file type and select it. Click Advanced. In the Actions pane, select Open and click Edit. Record what you see in the "Application used to perform action" and "DDE Message" fields because you'll need it if you ever want to restore the current behavior.
Remove the "/dde" from the end of the string in the "Application used..." field and insert "%1", being sure to include the quotes as well. Uncheck the "Use DDE" box. Click OK. Uncheck "Browse in same window" if you want Internet Explorer to open a spreadsheet in an Excel window instead of a browser window. Click OK, then OK. Double-clicking a worksheet should now create a separate Excel window.
Brian Tillman [MVP-Outlook]
I've been researching this issue off and on for a couple of months. I've tried the registry thing, but do not have access to it here at work (IT administrators control that!). I've tried the Excel File Options Advanced, which did not work for me. This solution was very simple and, even more importantly, worked wonderfully. I like that it leaves me in control so that I can use this method when I want to (for dual monitor, side-by-side comparisons, for instance). Thank you!
NO IT DOES NOT WORK FOR EXCEL 2010!
Quick and simple way to get second window without changing settings.
Open the first Excel spreadsheet, or add the Excel shortcut to the Taskbar Win 7+. Right-click Excel taskbar icon and then select "Microsoft Excel 2010" to launch another instance of Excel, and then load your second file. Repeat for as many files as you need.