How much memory (RAM) do you have? Windows XP is a memory hog to start with and you should have at least 512 Mb for good multi-tasking operation (more than one program open at a time). With spreadsheets, large spreadsheets can be even more memory intensive. Close other open program (e.g. Interent, e-mail, any other office application, etc) before you open Excel, that may help.
I had this sort of problem with almost any computer I ever worked with, most of time working with large Word documents (lots of tables, pictures, formatting and so on).
In most cases, restarting the computer, disabling any unused background programs (like Internet Security or Antivirus when you're not online), and opening ONLY the file you want to work with solves the problem.
Restart in Safe Mode and try manipulating your file. If it works ok, see the second link below.
... If it doesn't check the Event Log (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer) for any related errors/ events, and post them here with as much additional information as possible.
fireberd
9 Legend
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33.4K Posts
0
July 17th, 2005 21:00
Lemmi
238 Posts
0
July 17th, 2005 21:00
I had this sort of problem with almost any computer I ever worked with, most of time working with large Word documents (lots of tables, pictures, formatting and so on).
In most cases, restarting the computer, disabling any unused background programs (like Internet Security or Antivirus when you're not online), and opening ONLY the file you want to work with solves the problem.
Laurie4aVA
3 Posts
0
July 17th, 2005 22:00
Bummer - but thanks for trying!
Laurie
Laurie4aVA
3 Posts
0
July 17th, 2005 22:00
Thank you both for your suggestions - however, doing what you said didn't help!
I have only 256 MB's for my RAM, but when I have been in this file, I have EVERYTHING else closed out.
Any other ideas?
Thanks!
Lemmi
238 Posts
0
July 17th, 2005 22:00
Not from my side, sorry to say so...
I hope somebody else will be able to help.
Good luck, Lemmi
100mph
1.2K Posts
0
July 17th, 2005 23:00
... If it doesn't check the Event Log (Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Event Viewer) for any related errors/ events, and post them here with as much additional information as possible.
P.S. 2 MB is NOT a large file.