XL98: Error Message "PivotTable Field Name Is Not Valid" (191020)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q191020

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, when you create a new PivotTable or refresh data for an existing PivotTable (by clicking Refresh Data on the Data menu), you may receive the following error message:
The PivotTable field name is not valid. To create a PivotTable, you must use data that is organized as a list with labeled columns. If you are changing the name of a PivotTable field, you must type a new name for the field.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the first row of the range from which the PivotTable is attempting to pull data contains one or more empty cells.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use either of the following methods.

Method 1

Modify the first row so that it does not contain any empty cells.

Method 2

Change the range the PivotTable references to a range where the first row does not contain empty cells. To change or to determine the range an existing PivotTable references, do the following:
  1. Select a cell within the PivotTable.
  2. On the Data menu, click PivotTable Report.
  3. Click Back to display the "PivotTable Wizard - Step 2 of 4" dialog box.
  4. The current range for the PivotTable is displayed. Edit the source data range.
  5. Click Finish.

REFERENCES

For more information about PivotTables, click the Office Assistant, type pivottable, click Search, and then click to view "Create a PivotTable."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

179216 OFF98: How to Use the Microsoft Office Installer Program

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/11/2002
Keywords:kbprb KB191020
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.