Microsoft KB Archive/119630

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"Word Cannot Obtain Data" When Updating DDE Links

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Q119630

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

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SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to update approximately 126 DDE links at one time, Word generates the following error message

Word cannot obtain data from for

where refers to the source of the link, such as a Microsoft Excel worksheet object, and refers to the source file. The error will occur if your document contains approximately 126 different DDE links that were created with the DDE field code and you do one of the following:


 * Select the "Update Automatic Links at Open" option. (To locate this option, choose Options from the Tools Menu, and select the General tab.)
 * Highlight 126 or more DDE links, and press F9 (to update fields).
 * Highlight 126 or more DDE links, choose Links from the Edit menu, and then choose the Update button.

In some cases, after the above error is generated, you may not be able to update the remaining links, either individually or as a group, without first closing and then reopening the source file.

Changing the DDETIMEOUT= setting in the WINWORD6.INI does not affect this limitation.

CAUSE
This limitation stems from an index that is limited to 128 DDE links. This behavior is by design.

WORKAROUNDS
Method 1: Turn "Update Automatic Links at Open" off, and update fewer than 126 DDE links at one time.

Method 2: Use the LINK field in place of the DDE field.