Excel 2013 - Locked file when trying to save

After a user opens an excel file from a personal network share (EMC/ISILON storage) and make changes to the file, the user get a FILE LOCKED BY <USER> (Same user that is currently editing the file).

We have also had issues where a user goes to open a file and it says it is currently in use by <USER> same user trying to open the file.

Couple of notes of interest:

  • These files are on personal network shares, only the 1 user has access to the files
  • We have had the user completely reboot their machine when they try to open a file and get the file is locked message - Same message
  • Does not happen with any other Office 2013 application

Are there any special "quick View" features in Excel 2013 or Windows 7 that may be locking the file?  I have seen reference to this in older versions of Windows, but nothing for Windows 7.

Thanks for the help.


  • Edited by TE2011 19 hours 49 minutes ago
January 29th, 2015 11:14am

Hi TE2011,

In regarding of the issue, please provide us more information to assist you better.

  • Did this issue only occur with the special user? Or some others had the same issue.
  • Did the issue only the special file?

This issue may be caused by some factors, please try the following methods and check they are helpful:

Method one:

Turn off the Preview Pane, Details Pane and pop ups that show information about file and desktop items

1. Right click on the Start Button.
2. Click 'Open Windows Explorer'.
3. At the top left click Organize > Layout 
4. Uncheck Details Pane and Preview Pane.

5. On a Windows menu, click on Tools > Folder Options.  In the box that opens up, click on the View tab.  Scroll down the list to Show pop-up description for folder and desktop items and clear the checkbox and then click OK. 

In Excel:

1. Click File > Open
2. Click Organize > Layout

3. Uncheck 'Details Pane' and 'Preview Pane'

Reference:

http://blogs.technet.com/b/the_microsoft_excel_support_team_blog/archive/2012/05/14/the-definitive-locked-file-post.aspx

We also try the other methods provided with the blog.

Method Two:

The issue also may be caused by the file itself, please try to recreated it and add it to trusted location.

If this issue still exists, please try to upload the screenshot about the error message. I'll appreciate for it.

Hope it's helpful.

Regards,

George Zhao
Forum Support
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January 29th, 2015 8:42pm

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