XL97: "Microsoft Excel Cannot Access..." Opening Excel File from Web Server (151064)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q151064

SYMPTOMS

When you open a Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows file from a Web server, you may receive the following error message:
Microsoft Excel cannot access the file <URL>
There are several possible reasons:

  • The file name or path does not exist
  • The file you're trying to open is being used by another program. Close the document in the other program, and try again.
  • The name of the workbook you're trying to save is the same as the name of another document that is read-only. Try saving the workbook with a different name.
Note that <URL> in the first sentence of the message resembles the following: If you click OK, the file is opened normally.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the following conditions are true:

  • You are using Microsoft Internet Information Server as your Web server. -and-

  • The Web server is using Basic (Clear Text) authentication to authenticate users. -and-

  • You are using a version of Microsoft Internet Explorer that is listed at the beginning of this article.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, obtain Microsoft Excel 97 Service Release 2 (SR-2).

For additional information about SR-2, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

151261 OFF97: How to Obtain and Install MS Office 97 SR-2

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows. This problem was corrected in Microsoft Office 97 Service Release 2 (SR-2).

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/13/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbfix KB151064