WD97: Linked Excel Object Shows Empty Cells (198195)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q198195

SYMPTOMS

When you create a link to a Microsoft Excel object while the Excel worksheet is open, the object resembles a table with columns and rows. It may include columns and rows that do not contain data. When you create a link to the same Excel object while the Excel worksheet is closed, the object includes only the cells that contain data. There are no extra empty columns or rows. This problem occurs when you create the link via the Create From File tab. (To locate this tab, click Object on the Insert menu.)

For example, if cells A1 to B2 in the Excel worksheet contain data, and you create a link to this file while the worksheet is closed, the result looks like this:
   --------------
  |  123  |  456 |
  |  123  |  456 |
   --------------
				
If you create a link to the same worksheet while the Excel worksheet is open, the object looks like this:
   --------------------------------------------
  |  123  |  456 |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |  123  |  456 |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
				
The object may also take on different characteristics, regardless of whether Float Over Text is selected.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem and insert only the cells that contain data, close the Excel worksheet before you create the link to the file. To ensure that all objects have the same characteristics, choose one method to insert the objects.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbbug KB198195