Forum Discussion
Multiple Sessions of excel open unexpectedly
I will have an excel session open. If I then attempt to click on file in my downloads to open, a second session of Excel will open instead of opening in the first (primary) session. Very annoying as it attempts to open Personal.xlsb and tells me it is already in use. I then have to close the second session and proceed with my work.
1) Why is this happening?
2) How can I prevent this from happening.
3 Replies
This issue usually occurs due to how Excel and Windows handle opening files, especially when files are opened from different sources (e.g., directly from the file explorer or a web browser). Here's a step-by-step guide to diagnose and fix this problem:
1. Check Default Settings in Excel
- Ensure that Excel is set to open files in a single instance. By default, Excel should open files in the same window, but this behavior can sometimes be altered.
- Disable "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)":
- Open Excel.
- Go to File > Options.
- In the Excel Options dialog box, select Advanced.
- Scroll down to the General section.
- Ensure that the checkbox for "Ignore other applications that use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)" is unchecked.
- Click OK.
2. Adjust File Association Settings
Ensure that Excel is properly associated with the file types and that it opens them in the same instance.
- Set Excel as the Default Program:
- Right-click on any Excel file in your Downloads folder.
- Select Open with > Choose another app.
- Select Excel and check the box that says Always use this app to open .xlsx files.
- Click OK.
3. Modify Registry Settings (Advanced Users)
Note: Modifying the Windows Registry can cause serious problems if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before making any changes.
- Open Registry Editor:
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the Following Keys:
- For Excel 2016/2019/365: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command
- For Excel 2013: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Excel.Sheet.12\shell\Open\command
- Modify the Command Key:
- Double-click on the command key.
- The default value should look something like this:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\EXCEL.EXE" "%1" (copy without “”)
- Change it to:
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\EXCEL.EXE" /dde” (copy without “”)
- Ensure that the command key points to the correct path where your Excel is installed. The /dde switch tells Excel to use DDE to communicate with existing instances.
4. Modify the ddeexec Key:
- Navigate to the ddeexec key right under the command key.
- Ensure the default value is:
[open("%1")]
4. Check Taskbar Settings
Sometimes, taskbar settings can cause issues with how Excel opens new files.
- Combine Taskbar Buttons:
- Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
- Ensure that under Combine taskbar buttons, it is set to Always, hide labels.
- Disable Add-ins
Sometimes, add-ins can interfere with how Excel opens files.
5. Disable Add-ins:
- Open Excel.
- Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
- At the bottom, in the Manage box, select COM Add-ins, and click Go.
- Uncheck all the add-ins and click OK.
- Restart Excel and see if the problem persists.
Summary
- Ensure "Ignore other applications that use DDE" is unchecked in Excel options.
- Set Excel as the default program for opening Excel files.
- Adjust registry settings to ensure files open in the same instance.
- Check and modify taskbar settings if necessary.
- Disable any unnecessary add-ins that might interfere with Excel.
By following these steps, you should be able to prevent multiple instances of Excel from opening unexpectedly when you open files from your downloads folder or other locations. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
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