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Edit a shared file simultaneously

DJ2020 Posted messages 12 Status Member -  
DJ2020 Posted messages 12 Status Member -
Hello,

I have a shared Excel VBA file on the network....I would like to know if there is a trick so that all users can edit the file at the same time, knowing that each user has their own sheet in the file to modify.
Actually, I tested it, but an alert appears that the file is read-only because another user is currently editing it.
Thank you

Configuration: Windows / Chrome 79.0.3945.117

4 answers

  1.
    eriiic Posted messages 24581 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   7 281
     
    Hello,

    I will be less categorical than the other speakers.
    A shared file can be used and modified by several users simultaneously.
    The only thing is that you have to manage collisions if multiple modifications affect the same cell. There you need disciplined people who accept to abandon their modifications to redo them when they receive the alert.
    We can reduce the risk of collision by saving the file before modification, which forces it to pull an update.
    If each person has their own sheet as announced, this risk is null.

    The fact that some users are read-only is not normal.
    It should not be Shared in the Excel sense: Review tab, Share Workbook.
    Some features prohibit sharing (tables for example).
    Others are limited and require unsharing while making the modification.
    VBA is not prohibited and works for the vast majority of actions. What is blocked is its modification as long as it is shared.

    To see what is the case for 365, perhaps more limitations or even more sharing possible?
    On 2019 I had to add it to the ribbon. Probably a feature in the process of being phased out. To push people towards OneDrive?
    Please specify your version.
    Eric

    By continually trying, we eventually succeed.
    So the more it fails, the more chances we have that it works. (the Shadoks)
    In addition to thank you (yes yes, it happens!!!), remember to mark it as resolved. Thank you.
    3
    1. m@rina Posted messages 27617 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   11 563
       
      Hello,

      I agree with eriiic. The ability to work collaboratively on the same file has existed for a long time. It's called co-authoring.
      Now, it depends on the version used.

      With 365, you just need to grant permission to other people, and you can easily track the changes made by others.
      See here:
      https://support.microsoft.com/fr-fr/office/collaborer-sur-des-classeurs-excel-simultan%c3%a9ment-avec-la-co-%c3%a9dition-7152aa8b-b791-414c-a3bb-3024e46fb104?ui=fr-fr&rs=fr-fr&ad=fr

      m@rina
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    2. eriiic Posted messages 24581 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   7 281 > m@rina Posted messages 27617 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention  
       
      Hello,

      apparently co-editing is for sharing on the cloud.
      On the network, to share 'the old-fashioned way', see if on 365 we can add the tool to the ribbon like in 2019 (right-click on it and Customize)
      eric
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    3. DJ2020 Posted messages 12 Status Member
       
      Thank you so much Erilic, I feel relieved now... If I understood correctly, I need to enable multi-editing when sharing a workbook over the local network, and since each user has their own sheet, they should all be able to work on the shared workbook at the same time, but only if they modify their own sheets; otherwise, there will be a collision.
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    4. eriiic Posted messages 24581 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   7 281 > DJ2020 Posted messages 12 Status Member
       
      Which version of Excel do you have 'Share Workbook' in Review?

      If yes, you need to check 'Use old feature' to be able to do it on a local network. Then you can go to the 'Advanced' tab to enable auto-save and choose the delay.
      If not, look under 'Multi-editing' (I don't have it and don't know its content) to see if you can find the equivalent.
      eric
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    5. DJ2020 Posted messages 12 Status Member > eriiic Posted messages 24581 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention  
       
      I am using the 2007 version... actually, I didn't understand where I can find "use the old feature" that you're talking about so I can activate it
      as for the tip "enable auto-save," what exactly does it help me with in my problem... I am asking for your help to explain it to me properly, thank you Eriic
      0
  2. yg_be Posted messages 23437 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   Ambassadeur 1 588
     
    no, Excel is not suitable for doing that in a single file.
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  3. DJ2020 Posted messages 12 Status Member
     
    Are you sure?
    0
  4. brupala Posted messages 111152 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   14 450
     
    Hi,
    yes, we cannot modify a shared file at the same time as multiple people and fortunately, otherwise we would generate as many false versions of the file.
    In fact,
    databases were invented to achieve this, the locking is limited to the record level, not the database level, it's much more flexible.

    --
    and ... There you go!
    0
    1. DJ2020
       
      Even if each user will only modify their own sheet
      Does the review/multi-editing option work or not for Excel VBA in sharing
      Thank you
      0
      1. yg_be Posted messages 23437 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   1 588 > DJ2020
         
        Excel does not allow this, regardless of the mode of use.
        You had already mentioned at the beginning "knowing that each user has their own sheet in the file to modify," so it's unnecessary to specify later "even if each user will only modify their own sheet."
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