XL5: GP Fault/Hang Moving or Formatting Chart Title

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel, when you use a defined name in a chart title, if you move or format that title on the chart, one of the following occurs:

• You receive a general protection (GP) fault

  -or-

• The hourglass pointer appears and Microsoft Excel stops responding

CAUSE

This behavior occurs only if the defined name that you use in the chart title refers to multiple nonadjacent cells on a worksheet. The problem occurs with either a chart, value axis, or category axis title.

For example, if you define the name "Test" that refers to the following

   =Sheet1!$B$1:$D$1,Sheet1!$A$2:$A$4

If you format the chart title twice (for example, change the font and then apply bold formatting) or move the title and then format the title, you receive a GP fault. If you move the title twice, or you format the title, and then move the title, Microsoft Excel hangs.

WORKAROUND

To avoid receiving a GP fault when you move a chart title, do not use a defined name that refers to multiple nonadjacent cells. Instead, use the cell references directly in the title, or use a defined name that only refers to one area of cells.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was corrected in a later version of Microsoft Excel.