Works 2000: Time Formula Does Not Merge As Expected (239208)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 2000
  • Microsoft Works 6
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2000
  • Microsoft Works Suite 2001

This article was previously published under Q239208

SYMPTOMS

When you create a Works Word Processor document or a Microsoft Word 2000 document in one of the Microsoft programs listed at the beginning of this article, and then attempt to insert a Works Database field that contains the TIME() function as a mail merge field in the document, the number that is displayed in the merge field in the document does not match the corresponding number in the database.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because Works Spreadsheet and Works Database use a different method for recording time values than Works Word Processor or Word 2000.

Works Spreadsheet and Works Database convert time values into seconds, and then divide this value by 86,400 (the number of seconds in a day) to calculate a decimal time value.

Works Word Processor and Word 2000 also convert time values into seconds. However, they do not divide the result by 86,400.

For example, in Works Word Processor or Word 2000, the time 12:12:12 is stored as 43,932 seconds, because 12 hours (43200 seconds) plus 12 minutes (720 seconds) plus twelve seconds equals 43,932 seconds.

In Works Database or Works Spreadsheet, the time 12:12:12 is stored as .5084722, because 43932 seconds divided by 24 hours (86400 seconds) equals 43932/86400 or 0.5084722.

MORE INFORMATION

To work around this issue, either use the merged data as-is, realizing that it indicates total seconds, or divide the data by 86,400, and then type the result (a fractional value of a 24-hour day) in place of the merged number.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:7/15/2004
Keywords:kbpending kbprb kbui KB239208