Microsoft KB Archive/42451

Works Cannot Save or Load SYLK Files

PSS ID Number: Q42451 Article last modified on 06-12-1996

1.00 1.05 2.00

MS-DOS

SUMMARY

Works cannot directly save or load spreadsheet files in the SYLK format. The only formats that Works supports are ASCII text files and the Lotus 1-2-3 file format, which is Works’ native spreadsheet format.

The only way to convert a SYLK file to a Works spreadsheet file is to use a program that can convert between the two formats (for example, Excel, Multiplan, or Lotus 1-2-3.

MORE INFORMATION

Works for the Macintosh can only save in ASCII, its own native file format, and the SYLK file format. To transfer a spreadsheet from the Macintosh to the PC, use one of the three following methods:

1. Save the spreadsheet as an ASCII file, transfer the file to the PC, then load the file as a spreadsheet.
2. Save the spreadsheet as a SYLK file, transfer the file to the PC, and convert the file to the Lotus 1-2-3 file format.
3. Save the spreadsheet as a SYLK file, convert the file to the Lotus 1-2-3 file format, and transfer the file to the PC.

To transfer a spreadsheet file from the PC to the Macintosh, use one of the three following methods:

1. Use the ASCII transfer method, as follows:

   1. Save the spreadsheet as an ASCII file.

   2. Load the file into the Word Processor.

   3. Use the Search Replace command to replace all commas with “^t” (without the quotation marks). This is required because the Macintosh ASCII files are delimited with tabs (^t) instead of commas.

   4. Save the file from the Word Processor as a text file.

   5. Transfer the file to the Macintosh.

2. Save the file as a Works file (this is also the Lotus 1-2-3 file format), convert the file to a SYLK file, transfer the file to the Macintosh, and then load the file into Macintosh Works.

3. Save the file as a Works file, transfer the file to the Macintosh, convert the file to a SYLK file, then load the file into Macintosh Works.

KBCategory: kbother KBSubcategory: dworkskb: Additional reference words: 2.0

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