Microsoft KB Archive/76176

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Last reviewed: November 2, 1994

Article ID: Q76176

SUMMARY
If a macro sheet (previously created) is opened in Microsoft Excel and random characters or symbols are displayed in the sheet instead of the macro code, check to see if you have PC Tools version 7.0 installed and if you are running Windows in 386 enhanced mode. If the files VDMAD.386 and VFD.386 have been deleted from the directory in which Windows resides for any reason, the problem described above will occur.

MORE INFORMATION
When PC Tools is installed, certain files are placed in the directory in which Windows resides. If you delete Windows for any reason and reinstall it, without reinstalling PC Tools, the files described above (VDMAD.386 and VFD.386) will be missing and the problem with macro sheets will occur.

Solution
Copy these two files back into the directory in which Windows resides or reinstall PC Tools.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

 * 1) Rename VDMAD.386 and VFD.386 in your Windows directory.
 * 2) Restart Windows.
 * 3) Open a previously created macro sheet in Excel. Garbage characters will appear.