Microsoft KB Archive/109134

= Works Error: "Reference Not Valid..." or "Invalid Filter" =

Article ID: 109134

Article Last Modified on 11/15/2004

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Works 3.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 4.5 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 4.5a
 * Microsoft Works 4.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 4.0a

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This article was previously published under Q109134



SYMPTOMS
When you use the Query tool in Works, you receive one of the following error messages.

Works 3.0
Reference not valid or Wrong Operand Type

Works 4.0, 4.5, and 4.5a
Invalid Filter



RESOLUTION
Check for the following conditions:


 * 1) The query contains a "reserved" word or character in Works. For example, the above message displays if you enter the word "month" or the letter S or N into the Compare To box and press ENTER.

NOTE: In Works 4.0, 4.5, or 4.5a, the filter allows reserved words.
 * 1) You are attempting to query a field that contains a trailing space at the end of the field name and before the colon (for example, "Last Name :" instead of "Last Name:").

Querying Methods

 * 1) To create a query using a reserved word, place double quotation marks around the reserved word (this is the word in the Compare To box of the Create New Query tool). For example, to query on the word month, type month.
 * 2) To use the query tool to search a field with a trailing space, choose Field Name from the Edit menu, to rename the field without the trailing space.

NOTE: If you want to keep your original field name, you can also switch to the Query View and enter the query formula directly.



MORE INFORMATION
This problem occurs when querying on any words or characters which are also Works spreadsheet or database functions, such as S, N, SUM, DATE, MONTH, HOUR and so on.

