XL2000: Workbooks in the Startup Folder Are Not Scanned for Macros (214329)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
This article was previously published under Q214329

SYMPTOMS

When you start Microsoft Excel 2000, workbooks are not scanned for macros when they are opened.

CAUSE

You have not installed an antivirus software program.

RESOLUTION

Microsoft Excel does not scan your floppy disk, hard disk, or network drive to find and remove viruses. If you want this type of protection, you must purchase and install an antivirus software program. However, you can configure Excel to display a warning message whenever you open a workbook that contains macros.

To display a warning message whenever you open a workbook that contains a macro, follow these steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Security.
  2. Click the Security tab, click Medium, and then click OK.

    NOTE: Clicking High disables any unsigned macros.
If you have reason to believe that one or more workbooks on your computer have been infected by macro viruses, follow these steps:
  1. Start Microsoft Excel. On the Tools menu, click Options, click the General tab, and then note the file location in the Alternate startup file location box.
  2. Quit Excel.
  3. Using Microsoft Windows Explorer, remove all files from the Xlstart folder and the alternate startup file folder.

    NOTE: You can either delete the files or you can move them to a different folder.
After you have performed these steps, you may want to install an antivirus software program to scan for and remove any viruses.

NOTE: Even if a macro contains a virus, if the macro has not been run, it cannot spread the virus.

MORE INFORMATION

To demonstrate the virus warning message, follow these steps:
  1. In Microsoft Excel, create a new workbook.
  2. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, click Security, click Medium, and then click OK.
  3. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Visual Basic Editor. Click Module on the Insert menu, and then type the following code in the new module:
    Sub Test()
    MsgBox "Not really a virus."
End Sub
  4. On the File menu, click Close and Return to Microsoft Excel.
  5. On the File menu, click Save As, name the workbook Test1, click Save, and then click Close.
  6. On the File menu, click Test1.

    You receive a message stating that macros may contain viruses, and you have the option to open the workbook with the macros enabled or disabled.

REFERENCES

For more information about macro viruses, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type about viruses and workbook macros in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/27/2003
Keywords:kbcode kbprb kbProgramming KB214329
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.