Cannot edit Excel 97-2003 files

[randyv]

I have several excel 97-2003 files (,xls) that open as read only. when checking the file properties without opening the file, they do not show as read only. After the file is open, the Properties window, Security tab had read only grayed out and I cannot access the box to remove the check mark. this PC was recently replaced and the files moved from an external drive to the HDD. However, the external drive copy of the files are in the same condition. any suggestions?

[esperantisto]

Can you re-save the files to ODS? Does the problem persist in such a case?