Microsoft KB Archive/112447

= Works 3.0 File Saved in Excel Format Returns #VALUE! =

Article ID: 112447

Article Last Modified on 11/24/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Works 3.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 4.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 4.0a
 * Microsoft Excel 5.0 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q112447



SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft Works 3.0, if you save a spreadsheet in the Excel 4.0/5.0 SS format, some of the formulas will not be recalculated correctly in Microsoft Excel version 4.0, 4.0a, or 5.0. If a cell referenced by a formula is changed, then the formula will return the "#VALUE!" error value.



CAUSE
This problem occurs because of the way Works 3.0 saves spreadsheet files in the Microsoft Excel format.



Works 3.0 Users
To calculate formulas correctly in Microsoft Excel for a particular file, do the following:


 * 1) In Microsoft Excel, open the file that you saved in the Excel 4.0/5.0 SS format.
 * 2) Select the entire spreadsheet by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR.
 * 3) From the Formula menu, choose Replace.
 * 4) Place an equal sign (=) in both the Find What and the Replace With boxes.
 * 5) Choose Replace All.
 * 6) From the File menu, choose Save.

The formulas will now recalculate correctly. Note that if you save the file in Excel 4.0/5.0 SS format again in Works 3.0, you will need to complete the above steps again.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Works version 3.0 for Windows. This problem was corrected in Works version 3.0a for Windows.



Steps to Reproduce Problem

 * 1) In a new Microsoft Works spreadsheet, enter the number 1 in A1, 2 in B1, and the formula =A1+B1 in C1.
 * 2) Save the file as TEST.XLS and choose Excel 4.0/5.0 SS from the Save File As Type box.
 * 3) Open the file in Microsoft Excel version 4.0 or 5.0. Note that the values are correct in all three cells.
 * 4) Change the number in A1 from 1 to 2.

Cell C1 now displays the #VALUE! error value instead of the number 4.

