Microsoft KB Archive/89905

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

Excel: EXEC Function Results in Crash Under System 6.0.x
Last reviewed: April 24, 1996

Article ID: Q89905

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0 and 4.0

SUMMARY
Execution of an EXEC macro statement while in Finder mode under System 6.0.x results in a system hang, or the system stops. System 6.0.x must be running with MultiFinder to avoid the problem.

MORE INFORMATION
The EXEC function under System 6.0.x accepts a single argument: the full path to the application to be launched. If the Macintosh is not booted under MultiFinder, only a single application may be running at one time. In this case, executing an EXEC command from within Excel results in a system hang.

To Set Startup to Run With MultiFinder

 * 1) Choose Set Startup from the Special menu within the Finder.
 * 2) Click the MultiFinder radio button in the upper right of the following dialog.
 * 3) Choose the OK button.
 * 4) Restart the Macintosh.

At this point, the Macintosh will be running under MultiFinder and all EXEC statements which contain a valid path to an application should work correctly.

Microsoft is currently researching this problem and will post more information here as it becomes available.