XL2000: Error Message When Editing Chart Linked to Closed Workbook (211953)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
This article was previously published under Q211953

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to edit a series on a chart that is linked to a closed workbook, the following error message may appear:
Reference is not valid. Reference must be to an open worksheet.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when the following conditions are true:
  • On the Chart menu, you click Source Data.

    -and-
  • You click the Series tab and attempt to select an option.

    -or
  • You click the Series tab, and then you click the Data Range tab.
This behavior occurs when a reference is made to a closed workbook. References must be to an open workbook.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, follow these steps to open the source workbook:
  1. On the Edit menu, click Links.
  2. Select the appropriate source file, and then click Open Source. You can now update the data series using either the Source Data command or the Chart Wizard.

MORE INFORMATION

When you close the workbook and use the Chart Wizard, some functionality, such as the ability to change the chart type, is not available. Note that you cannot use the Source Data command on the Chart menu. If you do so, the error message described in the "Symptoms" section appears repeatedly.

REFERENCES

For more information about charts, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type create a chart in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/5/2003
Keywords:kbchart kberrmsg kbprb KB211953
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.