XL97: Error Editing Chart Linked to Closed Workbook

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to edit a series on a chart that is linked to a closed workbook, the following error message may appear:

   Reference is not valid. Reference must be to an open worksheet.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the following conditions are true:

• On the Chart menu, you click Source Data.

      -or-
  

• You proceed to step 2 of the Chart Wizard.

      -and-
  

• You click the Series tab and attempt to select an option.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, follow these steps to open the source workbook:

1. On the Edit menu, click Links.

2. Select the appropriate source file, and then click Open Source.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

When you close the workbook and use the Chart Wizard, some functionality, such as changing the chart type, is not available. Note that you cannot use the Source Data command on the Chart menu. If you do so, the error message described in this article repeatedly appears.

REFERENCES

For more information about charting, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text

   charts, creating