WD2000: Error Message: "Invalid Character Setting" in SUM Formula Field (284921)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 2000
This article was previously published under Q284921

SYMPTOMS

When you use the SUM formula field to total the numbers in a table row or column, you receive the following error message:
Invalid Character Setting

CAUSE

When the decimal symbol and the list separator are both the same character, for example, a comma, Word cannot successfully parse an expression. For example, Word cannot determine whether "100,2" represents 100.2 or 100 and 2.

This problem occurs when the locale setting is one of the following:
  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Ecuador
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, change the list separator under the regional options to a semicolon. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the Regional Settings icon (Microsoft Windows NT or Microsoft Windows 98) or the Regional Options icon (Microsoft Windows 2000).
  3. On the Numbers tab (Windows NT) or the Number tab (Windows 2000 or Windows 98) in the List separator box, type a semicolon (;) and then click OK.
The setting can also be changed programmatically. For additional information, please see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

126625 HOWTO: Change the International Settings Programmatically

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/10/2001
Keywords:kbprb KB284921
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.