Works Err Msg "Cannot Save Formula" Saving Spreadsheet (123030)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 4.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 5.0
This article was previously published under Q123030

SYMPTOMS

When you try to save a Works spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel 4.0 or 5.0 format, you receive the error message "Cannot save formula."

If you try to open the converted spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, you receive a general protection (GP) fault in module EXCEL.EXE.

CAUSE

These error messages occur if the spreadsheet you want to save in Microsoft Excel format contains formulas that are invalid in Microsoft Excel.

RESOLUTION

Use either of the following methods to save the spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel format:
  • Save the file in Lotus 1-2-3 format first. Although this format does not remove the invalid portion of the formulas, it allows the file to be correctly converted when importing into Excel.
  • Edit the formulas in the Works spreadsheet to remove any invalid portion.

MORE INFORMATION

The error message "Cannot save formula" occurs once for each formula that is invalid in Microsoft Excel. For example, the formula "=+A1-B2" is invalid in Microsoft Excel. The leading plus sign (+) in this formula is the invalid portion of the formula. If you remove the plus sign, this formula is valid in Microsoft Excel. (In Works, this plus sign indicates the sign of the number, not an operation to be carried out.) NOTE: If the spreadsheet also contains a range name that would be invalid in Microsoft Excel, you will receive the following error message when saving in the Excel format:
Invalid range names
A range name may be invalid because it contains characters other than numbers, letters, backslashes (\), or underscores (_). For example, the range name "Time/Date" is invalid because it contains a forward slash (/).

Steps to Reproduce Problem

WARNING: Following these steps causes a GP fault on your computer. You should save and close all work on your computer before following these steps.
  1. Open the sample spreadsheet WINGSALS.WKS in the Works\SAMPLES directory. This spreadsheet contains an invalid formula and range name.
  2. From the File menu, choose Save As.
  3. In the Save File As Type box, select Excel 4.0/5.0 SS and then choose the OK button.
  4. Start Microsoft Excel and open the converted WINGSALS.XLS file.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/24/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg kbinterop kbprb KB123030
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