Cannot Extract Using Numbers as Field Label in Excel

 Last reviewed: November 4, 1994
Article ID: Q61581
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.1 and 3.0
  • Microsoft Excel for OS/2, version 2.2

SUMMARY

When you try to extract information from a database using a number as a field label in the criteria range, Microsoft Excel gives you the following error message: 

   Extract range is not valid
Microsoft Excel does not allow the use of numbers, logical values, error values, blank cells, or formulas as field names.

MORE INFORMATION

The following is an example: 

          Database
          --------

   A       B       C       D
   aa      22      cc      dd
   a       10      20      30
   b       20      15      40
   c       30      73      93
   a       10      20      30

           Criteria
           --------

           B
           22

           Extract Range
           -------------

   A       B       C       D
   aa      22      cc      dd
For example, you would receive the error message because the criteria have a number for one of the field labels. However, if the field label 22 was entered as text (that is, entered as ="22"), the extract range would then be valid.

KBCategory: kbother
KBSubcategory:

Additional Reference Words: 2.0 2.00 2.01 2.1 2.10 2.2 2.20

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 4, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.