XL97: Error Using Virus Search Add-In on Alpha-based PC

ID: Q170634

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 97, AlphaGeneration version

SYMPTOMS

If you attempt to install or use the Microsoft Excel Virus Search add-in version 1.2 or 2.0, you may receive one of the following error messages:

   The image file <path>\xlscan97.exe is valid, but is for a machine type
   other than the current machine.

   -or-

   Microsoft Excel 97 Virus Search Add-In Version 2.0
   Could not find XVBSCAN.EXE in the same directory as XLSCAN97.XLA.

   -or-

   Microsoft Visual Basic
   Compile error in hidden module: mod_Search

CAUSE

You may receive one or more of these error messages if you are using a computer that contains a DEC Alpha processor instead of an Intel or an Intel-compatible processor. The Microsoft Excel Virus Search add-ins are not designed to work on Alpha-based computers.

A Microsoft Excel Virus Search add-in designed for Alpha-based computers is not available at this time.

STATUS

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

MORE INFORMATION

As of June 1997, there are two different Microsoft Excel Virus Search add- ins available for download. These files are listed in the following table.

   Version   File name      Designed for use with
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------

   1.2       Xlscan.xla     Microsoft Excel 5.0 for Windows or Windows NT
                            Microsoft Excel 7.0
   2.0       Xlscan97.xla   Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

These add-ins are not designed to function on a computer that uses a DEC Alpha or other non-Intel-compatible processor. This is true even if Microsoft Excel 5.0 for Windows NT or Microsoft Excel 97 is installed on the computer.

To scan Microsoft Excel workbooks for macro viruses, such as the ExcelMacro/Laroux macro virus, copy the workbooks to an Intel-based computer, and then use the Virus Search add-in to scan them.

For more information about macro viruses in Microsoft Excel, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q154131
   TITLE     : XL: Q&A about Excel Macro/Laroux Macro Virus

   ARTICLE-ID: Q150990
   TITLE     : XL: How to Use the Virus Search Add-in for Microsoft Excel
               (WE1280)

Additional query words: XL97 digital equipment corporation mips pentium pro 80486 mmx

Keywords          : kberrmsg
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: November 4, 1998