+1  A: 

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/814068

In summary:

When Excel saves a file, Excel follow these steps:

  1. Excel creates a randomly named temporary file (for example, Cedd4100 with no file name extension) in the destination folder that you specified in the Save As dialog box. The whole workbook is written to the temporary file.
  2. If changes are being saved to an existing file, Excel deletes the original file.
  3. Excel renames the temporary file. Excel gives the temporary file the file name that you specified (such as Book1.xls) in the Save As dialog box.
Jay
Thanks, that's it. Looks like I'll be writing my own.
Todd