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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]
Propose as answer
Worked great. Thanks for your input. Solved a problem that was driving me nuts.
Note: This is a reply to a possibly necro'd thread/answer but I think it's important for those who are searching the net for answers.
I'm running windows 7 / office 2010. This answer works.... sort of.
If there are no instances of excel running and this box is checked you will get the error "There was a problem sending the command to the program" and the spreadsheet will not open. Go in and untick the box to get the first spreadsheet to open.
Once the first instance of excel is running (a spreadsheet is open not just the program), having this box checked will properly open subsequent spreadsheets in new windows.
There is a technet thread that suggests a registry change is needed to remove DDE altogether. I will try this but do not know how this will affect the system or excels interaction with other programs. To reiterate the commenters' warning - back up and proceed with caution.