"Formula Is Not Valid" Error when Semicolons Appear for Commas

ID: Q39282

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0

SUMMARY

When you enter a valid Excel formula containing commas into a worksheet or macro sheet, a "Formula is not Valid" error message may occur.

MORE INFORMATION

This error is generated when the country setting has been changed to a setting other than US. Most European countries use semicolons for value separators. Thus, all commas that act as separators in previously created formulas will be converted to semicolons, and all new formulas will require semicolons instead of commas. Change the country setting in the Control Panel to reflect the proper choice.

For more information on using the Control Panel to change the country setting, see "Setting International Options" in the "Microsoft Windows User's Guide," for version 3.0 on pages 180-182.

Additional query words: 2.00 2.01 2.10 2.0 2.1 3.0 err msg work sheet macrosheet \* win31upd \* 5x Tech_Review: markpar


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Last Reviewed: March 12, 1999