Microsoft Knowledge Base

MXL5: Environment Changes Not Saved When You Quit MS Excel

Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
Article ID: Q147186
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS

If you make changes to your Microsoft Excel environment, for example, changing the working directory, the changes may not be saved when you quit Microsoft Excel.

CAUSE

Changes to your Microsoft Excel environment may not be saved if either or both of the following are true:

  • the Excel Settings (5) file is locked
  • the Excel Toolbars (5) file is locked

RESOLUTION

If you want modifications to be saved, make sure that both of the files mentioned in the "Cause" section are unlocked. To unlock either of these files, follow these steps:

  1. If it is running, quit Microsoft Excel.

  2. Open your "System Folder:Preferences" folder.

  3. Click either of the files to select it.

  4. On the File menu, click Get Info.

  5. In the Info window, click to clear the Locked check box.

  6. Close the Info window.

Once you restart Microsoft Excel, you should be able to make changes and the changes should be saved when you quit the program.

MORE INFORMATION

If you make changes to items in the Options dialog box, these settings are stored in the "Excel Settings (5)" file. If you customize your toolbars, these changes are stored in the "Excel Toolbars (5)" file. Both of these files are stored in your "System Folder:Preferences" folder on your boot drive.


KBCategory: kbenv
KBSubcategory: xlmac
Additional reference words: 5.00 5.00a



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Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
©1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Legal Notices.