unable to remove an excel file from my desktop

[backstagegal]

Hi Folks
I have a MacBook Pro, running Lion and I use Excel 2011.

Recently an excel icon appeared on my desktop with a file name I have never used. I have tried moving it, deleting it, sending it to the trash, and right clicking on it to "get info", all without success. When I try to open the file, the last excel file I used appears. When I look at my desktop in the finder, the file doesn't seem to be there.

Any assistance on how to remove this from my desktop would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[mrplow]

Does it remain if you change your desktop background?

 

[backstagegal]

Yes. I just changed the backgrounds on all of my desktops and the icon/file remained on all of them.

 

[mrplow]

can you provide a screenshot?

 

[backstagegal]

For sure!
(can you let me know if the image didn't post...I'm new to this platform. I saw it upload, but I'm not entirely sure I managed to attach it to this message)

Thanks

 

[backstagegal]

Oh! I see it now!
Sorry it is such a big image. I wanted to show you where it was in relation to the desktop...I'm unable to move it closer to the top.

 

[technologist]

Excel does have an odd habit of saving temp files on the desktop.

Have you quit Excel? Try logging out and logging back in. If the file is still there, try moving it to the Trash before you open Excel.

 

[backstagegal]

Worked like a charm!!
Thanks so much for all the help, everyone!

Have a great day!