Type 2 errors when opening file (Mac Excel 2001)

[Digby]

I have been having trouble with a particular file that works fine for a while then refuses to open.

When I go back to an earlier version of the file, it works fine, I enter some more data for a while then suddenly it flakes out again and I can't open the file without a type 2 error and Excel quitting. All my other excel files work fine.

I have thrown away all the Microsoft components from the system folder so that they reinstall, no effect. Renamed the file to a simple 8.3 compatible name, again no effect. I can open the file from PC Excel 2000 and it works, but it isn't as slick with lists and frankly, I prefer using my Mac for every other task so... Resaving the file from PC Office 2000 and trying to open on the Mac, again, crash.

I am using conditional formatting, lists, data validation based on lists, and spread the data over several workbooks within the file. I'd be happy to forward it to anyone who wants to see it.

Can anyone help? This is a really important file and I need to revive it somehow.

David Weaver

 

[Zelandakh]

Type 2 errors are fonts errors. Ensure you only have the standard 22 fonts in your system folder. Use Suitcase or ATM to manage your fonts and only open/activate the ones you need.

 

[Dreamboat]

Zelandakh--you seem to know quite a bit about quite a bit. I'm always impressed!

David:
In Windows, when a file has a lot of formatting like that, it's time to "clean it up". You'll recognize problems ("future corruption" we'll call it) first by the file size. It's nice to note the file size before you start so you can see if your work appears to have helped.

(When I'm done writing this, I'll add it to the FAQs. Unfortunately, the shortcut keys won't work for you, Dave, but I'm sure you've got a similar alternative.)

For each sheet in the workbook:

1. Go to the first column to the right that is not being used. Click on the column letter. Hit Shift-Ctrl-Right arrow until you have selected all the way to column IV. Hit Edit-Clear-All.

2. Go to the first row at the bottom that is not being used. Click on the row letter. Hit Shift-Ctrl-Down arrow until you have selected all the way down to row 65,536. Hit Edit-Clear-All. Save the file.

3. Select all the columns (rows) that are dates. To do so, hold the Ctrl key down while selecting the columns. Once they're all selected, go to Format-Cells and choose the format. Select all the columns (rows) that are currency, numbers, etc. Formatting in "blocks" can greatly reduce the file size. After many years of use, a file can have an individual format in many cells. The more cells you can format all at once, the less number of formats in the file.

4. To really be sure, save the file, right-click the sheet tab and move it into a new workbook. Do this for each sheet. The shell of Excel workbooks tends to carry the corruption and this can sometimes get rid of it.

Hope this helps. LOL
techsupportgirl@home.com

http://www.WeDoManuals.com

Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word at

http://www.brainbench.com

 

[Digby]

You guys rock!

I reformatted each column as a single selection then copied each worksheet to a new file. I also went into the named ranges and removed the external reference that it plugged in there; effectively I had a brand new, squeaky clean file. Saved it back out and, lo and behold, it opened on my Mac like butter.

You have made my day, thanks so much!!!

David

 

[Dreamboat]

Cool beans!
techsupportgirl@home.com

http://www.WeDoManuals.com

Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word at

http://www.brainbench.com