Excel - document will not save changes

As you work in a workbook, Microsoft Excel saves the file automatically. It gives the file a temporary file name, and puts the file into the same folder as the original version. When you manually save the workbook, the original file is deleted, and the temporary file is assigned the original file name.

If this process is interrupted, the workbook might not save correctly. You might also find one or more temporary files in the folder where you tried to save your file. Additionally, you may receive one of several alerts or error messages.

The following information can help you identify possible causes of this problem, and proposes solutions to help you solve the problem.

Possible reasons why documents don't save

If you cannot save a workbook when you run Microsoft Excel in Windows Safe mode, the problem may be caused by a third-party add-in or by a file from one of the Excel startup locations. By default, startup files are loaded when you start Excel.

Some add-ins from third-party software vendors work together with existing Excel features by design, and some are intended to enable a seamless transition when you use a third-party product. Typically, these third-party add-ins do not interfere with Excel functionality. However, some functions, such as saving a file can be affected.

To test for and eliminate the possibility that a third-party Excel add-in or file is causing a "save" problem in Excel, try to save the file in Safe mode. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Exit Excel.

2. Select Start, and point to Programs.

3. As Excel starts, press and hold Ctrl until you receive a message that resembles the following:

   Excel has detected that you are holding down the Ctrl key. Do you want to start Excel in safe mode?

4. Select Yes.

5. Open a new Excel workbook, and try to save it. If that works, try again to save the problem file.