XL2002: <Projectname.Classname> Is Not a Valid Add-in (277599)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002

This article was previously published under Q277599

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you attempt to load an automation server, you may receive an error message similar to the following
Projectname.Classname is not a valid add-in
and the automation add-in is not loaded as expected.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the add-in DLL contains a special character in either the project or class name, for example, "Project?." Excel does not recognize project or class names with special characters.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, change the name of the project or class that has the special character, recompile the add-in, and then attempt to load the add-in. For example, change the project name from "Project?" to "Project1" before you attempt to load the add-in.

To load the automation add-in, follow these steps:
  1. In Excel, on the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.
  2. In the Add-Ins dialog box, click Automation.
  3. In the Automation Servers dialog box, click Browse.

    You may receive the following warning:
    The file you selected does not contain a new Automation Server, or you do not have sufficient privileges to register the Automation Server.
    Click OK.
  4. Find the renamed Automation Server in the list, select it, and then click OK.
  5. The add-in should now be selected in the Add-Ins dialog box. Click OK.

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:8/6/2002
Keywords:kbbug kberrmsg KB277599