XL2002: RTD Formula Evaluates to #N/A (277617)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002
This article was previously published under Q277617

SYMPTOMS

If you use a formula that includes the RTD function in either of the programs listed at the beginning of this article, the formula may evaluate to #N/A.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if any of the following conditions are true:
  • The RTD server returns unexpected information, either because the Topic ID is wrong or the array returned by the server contains extra, unexpected information.

    -or-
  • The RTD server fails.

    -or-
  • The RTD server is not registered on the computer.

    -or-
  • The RTD server returns "-1" for Topic Count.

    -or-
  • The RTD server returns "-1" for Heartbeat.

    -or-
  • The RTD function is waiting for the server to return information. If the RTD server is running over a slow connection, or the server establishes other connections before returning results to Excel, #N/A remains in the cell until Excel receives results.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the following methods, in the order presented. Proceed to the subsequent method in each case only if the current method does not resolve the issue.
  • Stop and restart the server.
  • Quit and restart Excel.
  • Debug the server.

MORE INFORMATION

The RTD function, or the formulas that use it, evaluate to #N/A for a variety of reasons. It may be that the RTD server has failed completely, that it has returned an invalid Topic ID, or that some other error has occurred in retrieving data from the array of values returned to Excel by the RTD server. Because Excel is not able to distinguish between these errors, the #N/A value is displayed in the cell that contains the RTD function in every case, and the #N/A value appears in all cells receiving data from the server in question, regardless of the Topic used.

REFERENCES

For additional information about the RTD function, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

289150 HOW TO: Set Up and Use the RTD Function in Excel 2002

For additional information about setting up an RTD server, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

285339 HOWTO: Create a RealTimeData Server for Excel 2002

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/11/2006
Keywords:kbdtacode kbpending kbprb KB277617
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