Microsoft KB Archive/121083

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XL5: Error Message "Cannot read record" in Imported Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0

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SYMPTOMS
Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets may contain formulas that are incompatible with Microsoft Excel. When you open the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, the following alert messages may be displayed:

Cannot read record.(Cell: ) Continue reporting each error?

Choosing YES will cause Microsoft Excel to report all errors, indicating cell references that cannot be translated. Once the file is open, there will be a Cell Note indicator in the affected cells.

CAUSE
Microsoft Excel will not directly support or translate all formulas used in Lotus 1-2-3.

RESOLUTION
Formulas that return this error will need to be rewritten as Microsoft Excel formulas.

MORE INFORMATION
Some Lotus 1-2-3 formulas are either incompatible with Microsoft Excel or they cannot be directly translated to a Microsoft Excel formula. For example, the number of nested functions can affect the compatibility of a formula: Microsoft Excel can handle nested functions to seven levels only.

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