Link to open document read-only

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Sometimes I send out a mail message to a group of people, with a link pointing to a shared document on a network server. Clicking on the link will open the document in the appropriate application, e.g. Word or Excel.

Now these apps by default open any document in update mode. Naturally, when multiple users at the same time (after receiving my message) try to open the doc, they can't - because it is already open by someone else (likely myself).

In this case, both Word and Excel will give the user the choice to open the document read-only, so that's not too bad. However, I would really like an option to specify the read-only option inside the link.

Any ideas if this is possible, and how?

P.S. the link to the network server is in the format \\server\path\document

[edit] the other possible link format could be file://server/path/document

[Irene]

Not certain if I have understood correctly what you are looking for, Pat, but if you only want a document in Word to be available in 'Read Only', you could select this option...

I haven't checked Excel yet, but a similar option would probably be available.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Hi Irene; this is exactly what I have been looking for, except that I was looking for a totally idiotic approach B)

I also just checked Excel, and it offers exactly the same option under the Security tab.

Thanks - you have solved a problem that I had for many years

[Irene]

Hi Irene; this is exactly what I have been looking for, except that I was looking for a totally idiotic approach B) I also just checked Excel, and it offers exactly the same option under the Security tab. Thanks - you have solved a problem that I had for many years

Woopee Dooo!! I do have something to contribute, at last. :D

[cozofdeath]

Nice one Irene!

[Irene]

Nice one Irene!

Thank you, cozofdeath.

At least it proves that my many, many years of experience in the work-place was not wasted. :D