File is locked. Try the command later

[FORDFAN]

Hello.
Need some help please.
I have an unlocked excel workbook that is shared amongst 5 or 6 different people. This morning, tried to open it and got message "Operation cannot be completed...". Clicked ok and was then in the workbook.
Made a small change, went to save and it comes up with "This file is locked. Try the command again later" and are unable to save unless it is saved as another file.
There are no macros in the workbook (saved as a xlsx file) but there are 2 sheets for information where certain cells have been locked but without a password.
The workbook is available at any time during the week.

Obviously my colleagues and I need to save and the internet says a lot but does not make it clear.
Please assist. We use Excel 2010.

 

[GWteB]

Presumably the workbook has not been properly closed by one of your co-workers. To determine if that's the case and to fix it, you can do the following:
- make sure no one has opened that shared excel file;
- using windows file explorer navigate to the folder on the shared drive in which your workbook is located;
- change within windows file explorer "change folder and search options";
- on the View tab, in the "Advanced settings" pane:
--- clear the check box "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" and ignore the warning;
--- scroll downwards on to "Hidden files and folders" and check option button "Show hidden files, folders, and drives";
--- click buttons Apply and OK;

If it's the assumed issue, a hidden file will appear of which its name is like your locked workbook, preceded by the characters ~$ (eg ~$example.xlsx).
Delete this file and confirm. Finally restore your folder settings within windows file explorer. Done.