Read-only, write-on-demand access to an XLA?

[Maury Markowitz]

We have an Add-in that normally sits on a fileserver that is added to
everyone's Add-in list.

Excel normally places a lock on a file when it is first opened, and I
have found this is true for XLAs as well. That means that when I need
to make a change to the code in the XLA, I often open it and find it
is in a read-only state because someone else has already opened Excel
before me. The only way to regain access is to kick everyone off the
server and quickly open Excel before they reconnect.

I know it is possible to save an Excel file in a "read-only
recommended" format, and I'm thinking this might help in this case as
well. However, this switch is activated when the file is opened and
invokes a dialog box, which I do not want. Does anyone know if it is
possible to set this mode for an XLA, and if it will have the effect I
am looking for?

Does "Lock project for viewing" may have this behavior as a side-
effect?

Maury

 

[Maury Markowitz]

I can confirm that "Lock project for viewing" does NOT help this
situation.

Maury

 

[Charles Williams]

The solution I use is a reversioning Addin Loader so that I can add a new
version of the addin onto the server and everyone will get it next time they
start Excel (if its urgent broadcast a message telling everyone to restart
Excel).

See my downloads page for a general-purpose version of my Addin Loader which
you can tailor if you need to. (password is dm)
http://www.decisionmodels.com/downloads.htm

From the blurb
The Add-In Loader is designed to solve some of the problems of maintaining
and loading Add-Ins on a network:

Dynamic reversioning of add-ins with automatic link updating.

Control from a central point which add-ins will be automatically loaded
when Excel starts.

Control from a central point which add-ins will be available for
on-demand loading.

Enable updated versions of an add-in to be placed on a server at the
same time as previous versions are in use.

Optionally specify and/or change the network path for each add-in.

No Registry changes for load and unload.

The Add-In Loader helps the User:

Improve Excel start-up time by bypassing the loading of add-ins that are
only needed intermittently.

Minimize memory use by loading add-ins when needed and easily unloading
them when not needed.

Dynamically load the latest version of an add-in, whilst unloading any
version which is currently loaded.

Dynamically update any links that point to old versions of loaded
add-ins when a workbook is opened or an add-in is loaded.

 

[Tim Williams]

Have you tried marking the file as read-only (in windows via
right-click>properties>general tab) ?

Tim