Excel changes Modified date and time when you open the workbook (826741)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office Excel 2003
  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you view the properties of a Microsoft Excel workbook, the Modified date and time may temporarily change even when you make no changes to the file. You may notice this behavior when you open the file in Excel and then click Properties on the File menu, or when you view file details in Microsoft Windows Explorer.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because when you open an Excel workbook, Excel writes the name of the current user to the header of the file. This is necessary so that other users receive the "file in use" notification. The operating system then updates the last modified date. Excel stores the original Modified date and time in memory so that it can restore the original timestamp if you close the workbook without saving changes.

MORE INFORMATION

There is a binary difference between the file contents before you open and close an Excel workbook without saving it and after you open and close an Excel workbook without saving it.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/4/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB826741 kbAudEndUser
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