XL98: Can't Link Value of Control to Function (192378)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q192378

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, if you try to link the value of a check box, option button, list box, scroll bar, or spinner control to a function, you will receive the following error message:
The text you entered is not a valid reference or defined name.

CAUSE

You can link the value of a control to a cell in a worksheet by selecting the control and typing the reference to a cell in the formula bar. You can also create the link using the Cell Link box on the Control tab of the Format Object dialog box. When you link the value of a control to a cell, it is designed to be a two-way link, so that a change to the cell value changes the value of the control, and vice versa. Because the control cannot change the value of a function, it is not possible to link the value of a control to a worksheet function or a Visual Basic function.

WORKAROUND

To change the value of a control using a function, link the value of the control to a cell on a worksheet that contains the function by following these steps:
  1. Add the control (option button, check box, or other type of control) to your worksheet or dialog sheet.
  2. In a worksheet, select a cell and enter the formula that you want to determine the value of the control.
  3. Select the control, in the formula bar, type the reference of the cell in which you entered the formula in step 2. Click OK.
NOTE: When you change the value of the control by selecting the option button, check box, or other type of control, the value of the linked cell changes from the formula to the value of the control and the formula you entered is replaced with this value.

REFERENCES

For more information about the Forms toolbar, follow these steps:
  1. On the Help menu, click Contents and Index. If you are using a version of the Macintosh operating system that is earlier than 8.0, click Contents and Index on the Balloon Help menu.
  2. In Excel Help, click Index, and then type the following text:

    forms toolbar

  3. Click Show Topics. Click the Add buttons, check boxes, or other controls to a worksheet topic, and then click Go To.
If you cannot find the information that you want, ask the Office Assistant.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/11/2002
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB192378
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.