file locked for editing

[ljbmd]

excel flashed an error message and then shut down. The
file in use at the time apparently continues to be marked
as if it is still open and in use by someone. Attempts to
open it gives message file locked for editing by <user
name>. There is no network. no server, just a 65 yr old
guy trying to get by. How do I reset the flag so the file
can be edited upon again? Thank you. ljbmd

 

[LJBMD]

i have 2 solutions but neither goes the more elegant route
as hinted at in my queery.
the first is to allow the file to load in read-only mode
and then save it with a different name. that file can be
opened in the usual manner and edited.
the second i just stumbled on. apparently, if you shut
down windows (ME in this case) in an orderly fashion, it
will close all (or at least this) open file(s) so when the
computer reboots, the file can be worked on in the usual
manner.
i still think it should be possible to flip the flag that
tells the program it is open mode to one that allows
editing to take place once it is opened. How do you do
that?
ljbmd