Problem with Excel and MSVDM (XP Powertoys)

[Hinne]

There seems to be a problem with Excel 2003 on Windows XP SP2 and the Virtual
Desktop Manager from XP Powertoys.

When I open an Excel spreadsheet everything works fine. When I use the VDM
to browse to another desktop and return to the one running Excel, the menus,
toolbar and task pane have disappeared. Other office applications do not have
that problem.

 

[Jim Rech]

This is been a problem with the VDM from the beginning. I don't think there
is a solution.

--
Jim
| There seems to be a problem with Excel 2003 on Windows XP SP2 and the
Virtual
| Desktop Manager from XP Powertoys.
|
| When I open an Excel spreadsheet everything works fine. When I use the VDM
| to browse to another desktop and return to the one running Excel, the
menus,
| toolbar and task pane have disappeared. Other office applications do not
have
| that problem.

 

[andrei]

There is a workaround:

1. minimize Excel
2. switch to another desktop
3. switch back
4. restore Excel

I would suggest using competition products instead:
http://www.download.com/sort/3150-2346_4-0-1-3.html?

Andrew

 

[Sarah K]

If you minimise Excel before switching, that works. But if you forget to
minimise...

I found the following workaround (Excel 2003). You need to re-read your
toolbar file. Since you can't access the file menu to do this, create a
macro to do it with a hot-key. My toolbar file is:
C:\Documents and Settings\SarahK\Application Data\Microsoft\Excel\Excel11.xlb

Detailed instructions:
Tools->Macro->Record New Macro
In the dialog box:
under "store macro in" choose "Personal Macro Workbook"
under "Short-cut Key" enter a key of your choosing (say "m" for Menus)
Click "OK"
Record the macro:
File->Open
in the open dialog for "Files of type:" choose "Toolbars (*.xlb)"
open your toolbars file
Click the "Stop Recording" button on the Macro Recorder
When you exit Excel, be sure to save your Personal Macro workbook (hidden)
when asked

Now whenever you lose your toolbars and menu bar, simply hit your hotkey
(say Ctrl-M)