Microsoft KB Archive/120980

MS Graph Fails If Table Values Are Enclosed in Parentheses PSS ID Number: Q120980 Article last modified on 11-22-1994 PSS database name: OLEAPPS

3.00 3.00a 3.00b 5.00 WINDOWS

= SYMPTOMS =

When you use the Insert Chart button to change a Word table into a graph, if the table contains numbers enclosed in parentheses–for example, to indicate a negative number the table might contain the number ($534.94)– the default chart will be displayed and it will not contain the data from your table.

= CAUSE =

Microsoft Graph interprets parentheses as text characters, not as the designation for negative numbers. If any part of your selection contains text (that is, any nonnumeric character except “-” or “+”) instead of numeric data, Microsoft Graph will use the default chart.

= STATUS =

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

= RESOLUTION =

Method 1: You can copy your table to the default chart. Before running Graph, follow these steps: 1. Highlight your table, and choose Copy from the Edit menu. 2. Choose the Insert Chart button on the Standard toolbar. 3. Highlight the cells in the default chart and choose Cut from the Edit menu. 4. In the default chart, highlight the corresponding rows and columns into which you want to paste your information. 5. From the Edit menu, choose Paste. NOTE: The numbers that were originally in parentheses are converted to minus signs in the Microsoft Graph datasheet. Your original table is unchanged. You can modify the format of the number by choosing Number from the Format menu while editing the Chart. 6. Choose the Graph menus to make other modifications or selections for your chart. Method 2: Replace the parentheses in your table with minus signs and restart Graph.

= REFERENCES =

“Microsoft Word User’s Guide,” version 6.0, page 303, 595-597

KBCategory: kbtool KBSubcategory: Additional reference words: 6.00 6.00A parentheses negative table parenthesis minus subtract subtraction 3.0 chartwizard chart wizard 3.00 5.0 5.00 3.00b 3.00a msgraph mschart w4wole

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================================================================ Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1994.