How to Open Excel in one instance?

[norman+10]

Hi Guys,

I have two excel versions in my computer, 2003 and 2007 but im using the 2003 version for most of my reports. I just had a problem when my excel opens in two instance, lets say a file was exported from the web, it will open another instance of excel. The disadvantage of having two or more instances of excel is that, you can't use the paste special values option (only text format). When I checked the windows task manager, I have two EXCEL.EXE running. I'm exporting a lot from the web so i need to paste the data as special values to keep my formats. I have already set my excel 2003 as default.

Thanks in advance,
Ricky

 

[Leith Ross]

Hello norman+10,

Excel is a multiple instance application object. As a result, you can not control its instantiation by other programs and there is not a commandline switch, nor a registry setting to alter this behaviour. Without seeing what you are doing, I can not really make any specific recommendations to help you. However, I will ask if you have tried using the Web Query import utility to copy the data from the website.

Sincerely,
Leith Ross

 

[norman+10]

Hi Leith,

Thanks for your response. I think doing your suggestion might be hard for me, cause im dealing with over 30 links (websites). Im just wondering why is this possible to other computer? Im actually looking for the small box option when i choose to paste my data as special values. With two instances of excel, a different paste special value window pops up. Im just trying to find a way that when an active excel is open, everything or all excel files that i will try to open or export will open from the same instance of excel.

Thank you!

 

[Leith Ross]

Hello norman+10,

Are you opening these websites form a list in an Excel workbook?

 

[norman+10]

Yes, but i think that's an issue. I can do the regular paste special value in another computer using the same file and they are opening on one instance of excel. I'm clueless though, ive asked an IT guy but he seemd unfamiliar about it. I tried to check the settings of my excel under options - view - allow external application (had it checked and unchecked) but nothing has changed. I dont know if having two excel causes this issue. I had changed the the setting as well to open all excel file to 2003 since the 2007 version became the default when it was installed. I hope im not making things complicated for you.