Microsoft KB Archive/129437

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XL5: Error Adding Protected Add-in Workbook to Add-in Manager

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 7.0
 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a
 * Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0

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SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft Excel, you may receive the following error message when you try to add a user-created add-in to the Add-Ins List in the Add-Ins dialog box (on the Tools menu click Add-Ins):

 is not a valid add-in

This error message occurs if the workbook was password protected before you made it an add-in.

CAUSE
When you add an add-in to the Add-In list by clicking Add-Ins on the Tools menu, the integrity of the new add-in file is tested. Because the file is encrypted, Microsoft Excel does not recognize it as a valid add-in file.

WORKAROUND
To avoid this error message, use either of the following methods.

Method 1
Do not protect the workbook before you create an add-in. Because an add-in file will be encrypted and compiled when it is created, there is no need to protect the workbook before you create an add-in.

Method 2
If you are using Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, protect the individual sheets rather than the entire workbook. To do this, follow these steps:


 * 1) Switch to the sheet or sheets that you want to protect.
 * 2) On the Tools menu, point to Protection, and click Protect Sheet.

MORE INFORMATION
NOTE: In Microsoft Excel version 7.0 for Windows 95, module sheets in an add-in behave as if they are in a protected workbook even if you did not apply protection to the workbook.