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Excel saving error "Someone else is working in file right now, please try again later"

Smith, Austin 20 Reputation points
2023-08-07T17:24:58.8+00:00

Excel saving error "Someone else is working in file right now, please try again later". This happens on new and old files on work network. Tried re mapping several times. Both IT departments are stumped. please help!

working remotely and using a vpn on Office 365

Additional notes:

  • originally happened on office 2016 but they upgraded me to 365.
  • I got a new profile for the local machine. error still occurs. i
  • 've been using this same set and ISP for over 1.5 years. It intermittently started happening 6 months ago
  • it happens on my mobile LTE router as well.
  • I'm on a 400mb wifi connection most days
  • happens on all files, new, old, big and small.
  • its intermittent. Somedays it'll happen not at all, others a few, and some all day
Excel
Excel
A family of Microsoft spreadsheet software with tools for analyzing, charting, and communicating data.
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  1. AllenXu-MSFT 16,561 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-08-09T02:18:38.3+00:00

    Hi @Smith, Austin,

    The error message "Someone else is working in file right now, please try again later" in Excel can occur when multiple users are trying to access and edit the same file simultaneously. It could also be caused by a network issue or a problem with the file itself. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try the following steps:

    1. Check if other users are currently editing the file. If so, wait for them to finish and try again later.
    2. Check your network connection and make sure it is stable and not experiencing any interruptions.
    3. Check if the file is stored in a location that you have access to and that you have the necessary permissions to edit it.
    4. Try saving the file with a different name or in a different location.
    5. If the issue persists, try repairing or reinstalling Microsoft Office.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Tanay Prasad 2,110 Reputation points
    2023-08-09T06:18:11.28+00:00

    Hi,

    The presence of.tmp files may mean that Excel is trying to save while creating temporary backup files. After a successful save, these files should be automatically deleted. If they do, however, start to build up, there might be an issue with the save procedure.

    Make sure that your VPN connection is stable and there are no delays because otherwise, it could lead to this error.

    Ensure that your Office suite and Windows are up to date.

    Best Regards.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. Véronique Dubois 0 Reputation points
    2024-05-08T10:38:58.45+00:00

    Hi,

    To follow on Tanay answer, I was able to resolve this issue by closing Autorecover workbooks.

    For this, go to File > Info > Manage workbook.

    There you will see if you have any unsaved changes. By closing autorecover workbooks, the message stop showing.

    Hope this helps !

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