Chapter 6: Understanding Excel Files and Templates
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You can also type a filter directly in the File Name box. For example, typing the follow-
ing will display only files that have an .xlsx extension (press Enter after typing the fil-
ter): *.xlsx.Choosing your file display preferences
The Open dialog box can display your workbook filenames in several styles: as a list,
with complete details, as icons, and so on. You control the style by clicking the More
Options arrow (in the upper-right corner) and then selecting a display style from the
drop-down list.Opening Workbooks Automatically
Many people work on the same workbooks each day. If this describes you, you’ll be happy to know
that Excel can open specific workbook files automatically whenever you start Excel. Any workbooks
placed in the XLStart folder open automatically.
The location of the XLStart folder varies, depending on your Windows version. To determine the
location of the XLStart folder on your system, follow these steps:
- Choose File ➪ Options, and select the Trust Center tab.
- Click the Trust Center Settings button. The Trust Center dialog box appears.
- In the Trust Center dialog box, select the Trusted Locations tab. You’ll see a list of trusted
locations. - Look in the path for the location described as User Startup. The path might look something
like this:
C:\Users\
Another XLStart folder may be located here:
C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\XLSTART\
Any workbook files (excluding template files) stored in either of these XLStart folders open automati-
cally when Excel starts. If one or more files open automatically from an XLStart folder, Excel won’t
start with a blank workbook.
You can specify an alternate startup folder in addition to the XLStart folder. Choose File ➪ Options
and select the Advanced tab. Scroll down to the General section, and enter a new folder name in the
At Startup, Open All Files In field. Then when you start Excel, it automatically opens all workbook files
in both the XLStart folders and the alternate folder that you specified.
Saving a Workbook
When you’re working in Excel, your workbook is vulnerable to day-ruining events such as
power failures and system crashes. Therefore, you should save your work often. Saving a
file takes only a few seconds, but re-creating lost work can take many hours.