SYLK (Symbolic Link)

[gp]

What is SYLK (Symbolic Link)? Why, when I try and give an Excel file
the normal extention .xls, do I get all these insistent messages about
"compatibility" issues, and why does it keep reverting back to .slk?
(My Saving and Save As attempts always seem to lead me in Catch 22
circles. I don't want SYLK, but it's being forced on me. Do I need to
change a preference or something?

 

[JE McGimpsey]

What is SYLK (Symbolic Link)? Why, when I try and give an Excel file
the normal extention .xls, do I get all these insistent messages about
"compatibility" issues, and why does it keep reverting back to .slk?
(My Saving and Save As attempts always seem to lead me in Catch 22
circles. I don't want SYLK, but it's being forced on me. Do I need to
change a preference or something?

SYLK is a very old (e.g., 20+ years) spreadsheet file format:

http://www.fileformat.info/format/sylk/egff.htm

I'm not sure what messages you're getting - are you changing the file
name via Save As in XL or in the Finder?

Note that changing the extension doesn't change the file format.

If you're using Save As, just ignore/accept the compatibility warnings
and save as an XL file (using the Format dropdown, not just changing the
extension).