XL5: Find File Subdirectory Search Limitations

ID: Q105098

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0

SUMMARY

When you use Find File to search for files in Microsoft Excel version 5.0, you may receive the following error message:

The path you specified contains too many subdirectories. Delete one or more directories or clear the Include Subdirectories check box.

This error is displayed if the search process scans more than 200 subdirectories or a path of subdirectories is 15 levels deep.

When you receive the error message, you will be unable to search any more subdirectories for files: the list of found files will only contain files from those directories that were successfully searched.

This is by design.

WORKAROUND

If the search path you specify is too large, do either of the following:

Clear the Include Subdirectories check box in the Search dialog box.

-or-

Refine your search by using a more specific location (for example use "C:\EXCEL\FILES" instead of "C:\").

MORE INFORMATION

The most common reason this error occurs is when you search your entire hard drive for files.

Additional query words:


Keywords          : 
Version           : 5.00
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        :

Last Reviewed: April 7, 1999