Microsoft KB Archive/97913

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Excel: Lotus 1-2-3 .FMT Files Take Precedence Over .ALL Files

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 4.0a, 5.0

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SUMMARY
In Microsoft Excel, when you open a Lotus 1-2-3 file, if you have both an .FMT and an .ALL formatting file with the same name and in the same directory as the worksheet file, the .FMT file will be opened.

MORE INFORMATION
Lotus 1-2-3 uses add-ins to provide formatting features such as borders, shading, and fonts. When you save your worksheet file, this formatting file is saved separately. In Lotus 1-2-3 versions 2.x, you can use the Impress or Allways add-ins. Impress creates files using the same name as your worksheet file plus an .FMT extension. (This add-in is also used in Lotus 1- 2-3 versions 3.x, however, the extension is .FM3.) Allways creates files using the same name as your worksheet file plus an .ALL extension.

When an .FMT and an .ALL file have the same name and exist in the same directory as your 1-2-3 .WK1 file, Microsoft Excel will open and apply the formatting information contained in the .FMT file. The .ALL file will be ignored. Note that opening the .ALL files is only supported in Microsoft Excel version 4.0a for Windows.

If you want the .ALL file to be opened instead, rename the .FMT file or move it to another directory.