Question: I have macros on a network drive and need to edit them. Unfortunately, someone has them locked (open). How do I unlock them without going to that computer to manually unload the macros?
Answer: There is a live workaround. While you cannot edit the files while locked, you can change their folder name! This allows for a sneaky little trick that doesn’t require going to the offending computer.
Simply rename the folder on the network drive where the macros are located. Then copy that folder (files and all) to the same drive. Rename the new folder to be the same name as before the original folder was renamed.
The macros in the old folder with the changed name will still be locked out, but the macros in the new folder with the original name will be free to edit!
In a day or so, the files in the old folder will be unlocked again. Simply delete the old folder at that time.
Addendum: It should be noted that this method will not always work. However, it is worth a try before taking any other action.
Hello,
I’m not sure if this is the ethical way to do it.
This breaks down the whole set of rules and security norms and the purpose of locking the macro. It could cause havoc and nightmare for the administrator if everybody starts doing this.
Wouldn’t it be better if you ‘save as’ the macro on the local computer. Modify it. And with the knowledge of Administrator, update it at the proper time.
Are we talking the same language? I’m not a regular SWk user nor a network expert nor an Administrator. But this is what I feel.
What’s your take on this?
– sanjay Kulkarni