PRB: "Error Initializing OLE" When Running GENGRAPH (114667)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh 2.6a
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Macintosh 3.0b

This article was previously published under Q114667

SYMPTOMS

When you are running a graph-dependent application that has been distributed using the FoxPro for Macintosh Distribution Kit, the following FoxPro Graph Wizard error message appears:
Error Initializing OLE
Press any key to Continue...

CAUSE

Either MS Graph is not installed on the workstation, MS Graph has not been initialized, or the Shared Code Manager, OLE Registration, Client, and Server DLLs are not properly installed.

MORE INFORMATION

A FoxPro application can take advantage of graphing capabilities by making calls through GENGRAPH.APP to communicate with MS Graph. GENGRAPH is a FoxPro application provided with both FoxPro for Windows and FoxPro for Macintosh. Ms Graph is an application included with Microsoft Word 5.x for the Macintosh, Microsoft PowerPoint 3.x for the Macintosh, and Microsoft FoxPro for the Macintosh.

While MS Graph is available in a run-time, distributable form on the Windows platform, this is not the case on the Macintosh platform. In order for customers of a FoxPro for Macintosh developer to successfully run a graph-dependent application, those customers must already own a license for a product that includes MS Graph for the Macintosh. These applications include Microsoft Word 5.0 for the Macintosh, Microsoft PowerPoint 3.0 for the Macintosh, and Microsoft FoxPro for the Macintosh.

PowerPoint and FoxPro both install MS Graph in the System Folder:Extensions:Microsoft:MSGraph subfolder.

Microsoft Word installs the MS Graph in the Word Commands:Microsoft Graph subfolder that is contained in the folder where Word is installed. Word also puts an alias pointing to this location in the System Folder:Extensions:Microsoft:MSGraph subfolder. If the Word Setup program finds MS Graph in the System Folder:Extensions:Microsoft:MSGraph subfolder, it does not install MS Graph again in either location.

Although Microsoft Excel 4.0 for Macintosh does include graphing capabilities, they are built into Microsoft Excel and not stored as a separate application. Accessing the graphing capabilities of Microsoft Excel using FoxPro for Macintosh involves the use of AppleScript. For more information about AppleScript, see the "Installation and Macintosh Features Guide" included with FoxPro. For information about scripting Microsoft Excel, see the Microsoft Excel Software Development Kit (SDK).

RESOLUTION

Once it has been established that the recipient of the FoxPro application has a licensed copy of MS Graph installed on his or her Macintosh, the recipient may need to run MS Graph once in order to register the application as an OLE server.

To register MS Graph, double-click the MS Graph application, and then choose Yes in the dialog box that states that MS Graph can be run only from within another program. The Embedding Preferences file stored in the System Folder:Preferences subfolder maintains this registration information.

In order for GENGRAPH to communicate with MS Graph, the Shared Code Manager extension and the OLE Registration, Client, and Server documents must be properly installed in the System Folder:Extensions subfolder. If the Setup Wizard included with the FoxPro Distribution Kit was used and the Shared Code option was selected during this process, these files are automatically installed on the client workstation.

REFERENCES

FoxPro Distribution Kit for Macintosh "User's Guide," version 2.5, page 8 FoxPro for Macintosh "Installation and Macintosh Features Guide," version 2.5, page 7

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/15/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg KB114667