WD97: Linked Excel Object Has Different Characteristics

ID: Q198195

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you create a link to a Microsoft Excel object while the Excel worksheet is open, the object resembles a table with columns and rows. It may include columns and rows that do not contain data. When you create a link to the same Excel object while the Excel worksheet is closed, the object includes only the cells that contain data. There are no extra empty columns or rows. This problem occurs when you create the link via the Create From File tab. (To locate this tab, click Object on the Insert menu.)

For example, if cells A1 to B2 in the Excel worksheet contain data, and you create a link to this file while the worksheet is closed, the result looks like this: 

   --------------
  |  123  |  456 |
  |  123  |  456 |
   --------------
If you create a link to the same worksheet while the Excel worksheet is open, the object looks like this: 

   --------------------------------------------
  |  123  |  456 |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |  123  |  456 |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
The object may also take on different characteristics, regardless of whether Float Over Text is selected.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem and insert only the cells that contain data, close the Excel worksheet before you create the link to the file. To ensure that all objects have the same characteristics, choose one method to insert the objects.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Additional query words: 8.0 8.00 

Keywords          : word97 
Version           : WINDOWS:97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbpending

Last Reviewed: February 12, 1999