Error while saving a shared Excel spreadsheet: "Errors were detected while saving...."

I get the following error on my shared Excel spreadsheet when saving:

Errors were detected while saving "\server......\ Microsoft Excel may be able to save the file by removing or repairing some features. To make repairs in a new file, click Continue. To cancel saving the file, click Cancel."

I have a file on a network location and I'm using a thin client and RDP. All users accessing the file are also on thin clients. The need for sharing is that many users may update the file concurrently and need to see the results of others' updates rapidly.

I've seen mention of this error being caused by the network / remote access and how Excel saves temp files using the local directory, which may not be accessible by the network users. Has anyone come across this problem and know a solution or workaround for this?

4 Answers

There are several possible causes for this error, ranging from Excel bugs (see KB 2597034) to network issues to anti-virus problems. Microsoft's KB article KB 271513 lists most of them. Generally speaking they're temporary annoyances rather than apocalyptic errors. My personal opinion is that Excel is not really designed for shared use and does as best as it can, but doesn't have the web smarts that Google Sheets or SharePoint would have.

Sharing a spreadsheet in Excel is very limited, and you cannot do that in the normal editing mode.

To share a workbook :

1. On the Review tab in the Changes group, click Share Workbook:

2. In the Share Workbook dialog box, on the Editing tab, select the Allow changes by more than one user at the same time. This also allows workbook merging check box.

3. On the Advanced tab, select the options that you want to use for tracking and updating changes, and then click OK.

Note : You won't be able to add or change the following: merged cells, conditional formats, data validation, charts, pictures, objects including drawing objects, hyperlinks, scenarios, outlines, subtotals, data tables, PivotTable reports, workbook and worksheet protection, and macros.

For more information see the Microsoft article Use a shared workbook to collaborate.

When the Excel spreadsheet is corrupt, you can also:

1. Create a new blank worksheet
2. Go to corrupt spreadsheet
3. Select all the worksheets (Ctrl+Left Click)
4. Right-click on worksheet
5. Select blank worksheet
6. Check on create a copy
7. Click OK

This will help you salvage the data.

You can also compare using a tool like Beyond Compare or Excel Compare, but it can be a bit tricky to analyze data on Excel especially with multiple worksheets.

Hi this has 100% worked for me in all situations, if it is a macro file (in my case at least).

Open the file in protected mode (usually I save it on the share network so it prompts me to "Enable Content")

DON'T ENABLE CONTENT

Go to Developer, Visual Basic, then click on "Debug" and click on "Compile VBA Project".

Save the file -- > Close - - > Reopen.