Excel files being renamed

[RogerM]

I have recently installed 2 new Win2k3 servers at a client running DFS and
FRS when Excel files are saved to the server they appear normal (eg.
filename.xls) but after a few seconds the name changes (eg. 123456) the
server is running an Anti-Virus package and is reporting no viruses.
Any help on this would be appriciated.

 

[Dave Peterson]

When excel saves the file, it saves it as a temporary file with a funny name (8
characters--no extension).

If the save is successful, xl will delete the original (or rename it to its
backup name (like "backup of book1.xlk)) and if that's successful, xl will
rename the funny named file to the original's name.

Common things that get blamed for interruptions to this process are antivirus
software poking its head in or network errors--either permissions or physical
problems.

I think I'd talk to the IT folks and ask them to double check permissions and
maybe temporarily disable the AV software (do one at a time, so you can isolate
the problem.)

 

[RogerM]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the reply, the problem seems to be the other way around, after it
saves the file and the I get the file.xls after 10 Seconds it then changes
back to the temp file without xls extension, however if you save the file and
remain in Excel the file name stays as file.xls will try disabling the
antivirus and see but this only happens when the file is saved to the server
if file saved local I don't have that problem, all permissions at server have
been set.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Good luck in your quest.

But since this doesn't happen when you save to the local harddrive, it may be
worth double checking those permissions (although I've never used the win2003
servers and have no idea what FRS is!).

And you're positive that that file.xls that you're seeing isn't just the
original file? That doesn't go away until later.

 

[RogerM]

Hi Dave,
Yes quite sure permissions are ok. And yes the file that changes is from the
original to a weird name with no extension this happens only when you exit
excel.

 

[Dave Peterson]

Just to be irritating (it's my nature!).

If you're left with two files--the original name and the funny name, it (still)
sounds like it's a permissions problem--the user doesn't have permissions to
delete the original file.

If you're left with just one file--the funny named one, then it sounds like the
user doesn't have permission to rename files on that drive/folder.

(Do I sound like a broken record? If your IT department set those permissions,
I'd ask them once more. If you did it, I'd double/triple check. Why--'cause I
got nothin' else!)

Good luck.

Hi Dave,
Yes quite sure permissions are ok. And yes the file that changes is from the
original to a weird name with no extension this happens only when you exit
excel.

 

[RogerM]

Hi Dave,
Yes its just the funnt file I'm left with, I'll recheck the permissions.
Seem weird the file only changes when you exit excel, you can close the file
window and the file name is correct, but when you close excel is when the
name goes funny.
I let you know when I recheck the permissions.
Thanks