macros disable error - security setting doesn't fix

When I set my macro security to medium and open the excel file with no other instances of excel running, it gives me the choice to enable or disable macros. However, it appears that if I already have an instance of excel running, it defaults to disable macros.

This doesn't seem right. Am I missing something?

Hello jayron,

Have you checked for hidden instanes of Excel? You can use the Windows Task Mananger (Ctrl+Alt+Del) to find them under "Processes". If you find any, end them.

Sincerely,
Leith Ross

Well I noticed that it works fine if I open the file while no other instances of excel are running.

Does this mean that if I want have the option to enable macros I have to first close all other instances of excel always? Is there no other way to enable macros while other instances of excel are running?