XL97: Files Increase in Size When Saved in XL97 Format

Article ID: Q156443
Creation Date: 24-SEP-1996
Revision Date: 06-DEC-1996

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 97, if you open a file that was previously saved in the Microsoft Excel version 5.0 or 7.0 format, and then save the file in the Microsoft Excel 97 format, the size of the file may increase even if you do not make any changes to the file.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because of the way in which Microsoft Excel 97 saves preview pictures into workbooks. If you choose to save a preview picture in a workbook, Microsoft Excel creates a thumbnail image of the first sheet in the workbook and attaches it to the workbook. This allows you to preview the workbook before you open it; that is you can see what a section of the workbook looks like.

Microsoft Excel 97 uses a different method for creating preview pictures than the method that Microsoft Excel versions 5.0 and 7.0 use. As a result, the preview picture may be somewhat larger (usually no more than 30 kilobytes difference in size) when you save a file in the Microsoft Excel 97 format.

RESOLUTION

If a file increases in size when you save it in the Microsoft Excel 97 format, you can remove the preview picture from the file, thereby reducing its size. To do this, use the following steps:

   1. Open the file in Microsoft Excel.

   2. On the File menu, click Properties.

   3. Click the Summary tab.

   4. Clear (uncheck) the "Save Preview Picture" check box.

   5. Click OK.

   6. Save and close the file.

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