XL: Name Box Does Not Display Items When No Named Ranges Exist

• Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you click the arrow next to the Name box (the list box to the left of the formula bar) in Microsoft Excel, the items in the list box may not be displayed as expected. As a result, it may appear that the Name box is not working correctly.

NOTE: This problem does not occur in Microsoft Excel for Windows or Microsoft Excel for Windows NT.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if there are no globally named ranges in the workbook and no locally named ranges in the active worksheet.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, define a globally named range in the workbook or a locally named range in the active worksheet. After you do this, the Name box items are displayed when you click the box.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Excel versions 5.0 and later, you can use the Name box to name ranges and select named ranges.

For example, you can name a range by following these steps:

1. Select the cell (or cells) that you want to name.

2. In the name box, type the name that you want to use, and then press RETURN.