OFF97: Error Activating Password-Protected Workbook Object (172858)

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to activate a Microsoft Excel 97 workbook object that is embedded in a Microsoft Word 97 document or a Microsoft PowerPoint 97 presentation, you may receive one of the following error messages:

Microsoft Word
Word cannot edit the Microsoft Excel Worksheet.

Microsoft PowerPoint
There isn't enough memory available to read Worksheet.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the following conditions are true:

The workbook object is protected with a password (point to Protection on the Tools menu, click Protect Workbook, and then enter a password in the Password box).

-and-
Your computer is using French regional settings.

Specifically, the problem occurs because you cannot activate a Microsoft Excel 97 workbook object that is protected with a password when your computer is using French regional settings.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, switch the regional settings on the computer to English before you attempt to activate the workbook object again. To do this, follow these steps:

On the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Regional Settings. Click the Regional Settings tab.
In the list of regional settings, click "English (United States)" or another English setting. Then, click OK.
When you are prompted to restart the computer, do so.

After the computer is restarted, start Microsoft Word 97 or Microsoft PowerPoint 97, open the document that contains the workbook object, and then activate the workbook object.

Once the workbook object is activated correctly, unprotect the workbook object. If you protect the workbook object again, make sure you do not apply a password to the workbook.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.