Solved: Use files simultaneously in Word & Excel

[reallylovessleep]

Is there a way to configure Microsoft applications so that I can have a window open with a file from Word and a window open with an Excel file and edit them simultaneously? When I have both windows open now, whichever one I click in stays open and the other automatically minimizes itself. I'd also like to be able to have a Microsoft file and browser window open (and editable) and the same time.
Many thanks!
Abigail

 

[DaveA]

If you are asking to be able to change 2 different files at the same time, then the answer is no.

 

[reallylovessleep]

I mean I want to be able to do things like cut a cell from an excel file and paste it into a word doc without one of them closing on me. Or even just keep one up as reference while I make changes to the other one.

 

[valis]

yeah, that's just 'windows'.......below is my desktop with it's open windows. I just hit alt-tab at the same time to move through them.

 

[Triple6]

Yes, that has been possible since Windows 3.1. Simply use the ALT and TAB key to switch between open programs, ALT plus ESC also easily switches between two programs. So you would press and hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key until it goes to the program you want to switch too. You can also click on the icon for the program you want to switch too on the task bar at the bottom of your screen. Pressing the Windows Key along with the TAB key also allows you to see and to switch between open programs.

 

[reallylovessleep]

I need them both open -and viewable- at the same time though, so I can compare data from one to the other. I should have clarified that the programs aren't "closed" they're minimized.

 

[valis]

so just re-size them so you have one on one side on one on the other.

 

[reallylovessleep]

Valis, I did resize them but as soon as you click in one, the other one minimizes itself.

 

[valis]

how are you clicking on them? Did you see my screen shot? I don't even use the mouse, just hit alt and tab at the same time to toggle between them.

 

[reallylovessleep]

Ah- I see now that they *both* need to be resized in order to stop one of them from minimizing. Thanks!

 

[valis]

no worries, sorta what we're here for.

 

[Triple6]

With Windows 7 you can use the Snap feature: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows7/products/features/snap

If you do a lot of work like this then you should consider a second monitor, makes stuff like this much easier.

 

[valis]

With Windows 7 you can use the Snap feature: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows7/products/features/snap

If you do a lot of work like this then you should consider a second monitor, makes stuff like this much easier.

Forgot about the snap feature, thanks.

I remember when I tried the dual monitors....was so used to alt-tab that, after a month or so,, I realized all I was using the second monitor for was a dust gatherer.