Excel Err Msg: Can't Copy mR X nC into <Reference>

 Last reviewed: October 31, 1994
Article ID: Q23710

SUMMARY

You will receive the error message "Can't copy mR X nC into reference," where "m" is the number of rows referenced in the formula, "n" is the number of columns, and "reference" is the area on the document in which the formula resides, if the following conditions are true:

  1. There is an external reference (for example, "=Worksheet1!$a$1:$a$2").

  2. The independent worksheet (Worksheet1) is not open.

  3. OK is clicked when the message "Update references to unopened documents" is displayed.

  4. The external reference refers to more cells than the selection in which the formula resides.

For example if the following formula 

   =Worksheet1!$A$1:$A$2
was not entered into two vertical cells (corresponding to the two vertical cells A1 and A2), then the above error message will be received.

To enter this formula correctly, do the following:

  1. Select two vertical cells (for example, C3:C4).

  2. Enter the formula.

  3. Press COMMAND+ENTER. This enters the formula as an array.

For more information on linking files, see pages 432-441 in the "Microsoft Excel Reference" version 2.2 manual. If you are using Excel 1.50, see pages 193-198 in the "Microsoft Excel User's Guide."

For more information on array formulas, see pages 10-23 in the "Microsoft Excel Reference" version 2.2 manual. If you are using Excel 1.50, see pages 5-20 in the "Microsoft Excel Arrays, Functions, and Macros" manual.

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Additional reference words: noupd

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Last reviewed: October 31, 1994
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