This step-by-step article explains how to use the AutoSave feature in Microsoft Excel 97, in Microsoft Excel 2000, and in Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition.

Excel includes an AutoSave feature that periodically saves your file as you work on it. AutoSave does not save data in a separate file; therefore, the AutoSave feature does not prevent file corruption. However, AutoSave protects your data in the event that Excel unexpectedly quits. When you start Excel, AutoSave is not running by default.

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Activate AutoSave

To activate the AutoSave feature, follow these steps:

1.	On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.
2.	In the Add-Ins dialog box, select the AutoSave Add-in check box, and then click OK.

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Modify AutoSave settings

You can modify AutoSave settings, including how often to save, which workbooks to save, and whether to be prompted before saving.

To modify AutoSave, follow these steps:

1.	On the Tools menu, click AutoSave.
2.	In the AutoSave dialog box, select the AutoSave options that you want.
3.	Click OK.

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For additional information about preventing file corruption, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

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