XL98: "Out of Range" Error Running Parameter Query in MS Query

• Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you enter a value in the Enter Parameter Value dialog box in Microsoft Query, you receive the following error message:

   Numeric value out of range. Error in parameter 1.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the following conditions are true:

• You create a parameter query in Microsoft Query.

      -and-
  

• You use the parameter query as criteria for a field that has a data type of Numeric or Float.

      -and-
  

• You are using the Microsoft 3.01 dBASE PPC Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver to query for the data.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use one of the following methods depending on whether you are using a File Data Source Name (DSN) or a User DSN.

METHOD 1: YOU ARE USING A FILE DSN

If the name of the data source in the Data Source Name dialog box in Microsoft Query is not followed by an asterisk (*), you are using a file data source to access the database.

This workaround requires using ResEdit. ResEdit is manufactured by Apple computer, Inc., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

ResEdit is available for download from the Apple World Wide Web site:

   http://www.apple.com

Changing the Creator Type

NOTE: Make a backup copy of your File DSN before you make the following modifications.

To use this method, first change the creator type. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start ResEdit. Click the startup screen.

2. Open the File DSN for your data source. By default, File DSNs are stored in the System Folder:Preferences:ODBC File Data Sources folder.

3. When you are prompted to add a resource fork to the file, click OK.

4. Click "Get Info for <data source name>" on the File menu, where <data source name is the name of your data source.

5. Type "TEXT" (without the quotation marks) in the Type box, and then close the Info for <data source name> window.

6. Click Yes when you are prompted to save the changes.

7. On the File menu, click Quit.

Editing the DSN File in SimpleText

These steps specify that you should use SimpleText, which is normally installed with the Macintosh System Software. However, you can use any text editor when you follow these steps:

1. Start SimpleText.

2. 0pen the file data source that you edited with ResEdit.

   The file has a layout that is similar to the following:

         [ODBC]
         DATABASE=Macintosh HD:Microsoft Office 98:Sample Files
         DRIVER={Microsoft 3.01 dBASE PPC}
   

         [Microsoft Office]
         DefaultTable=CUSTOMER
   

3. Add the following line at the end of the [ODBC] section:

         Workarounds=524288
   

4. On the File Menu, click Save.

5. Click Quit to quit SimpleText.

Restoring the File Type

Next, restore the file type. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start ResEdit.

2. Open the file data source.

3. Click "Get Info for <data source name>" on the File menu, where <data source name is the name of your data source.

4. Type "DSN " (without quotation marks) in the Type box.

   Note the blank space after the "N."

5. Type "odbc" (without quotation marks) in the Creator box.

6. Close the Info for <data source name> window, and click Yes when you are prompted to save the changes.

7. On the File menu, click Quit.

METHOD 2: ARE USING A USER DSN

If the name of the data source in the Data Source Name dialog box in Microsft Query is followed by an asterisk (*), you are using a User DSN to access your database.

The following steps specify using SimpleText, which is normally installed with the Macintosh System Software. However, you can use any text editor to perform these steps.

NOTE: Make a backup copy of your ODBC Preferences PPC file before you make the following modifications.

To use this method, follow these steps:

1. Start SimpleText.

2. Open the "ODBC Preferences PPC" file. This file is located in the System Folder:Preferences folder.

   The file contains a section titled [ODBC Data Sources], which lists all of your user data sources. Each user data source has its own section in the file.

3. Locate the section that contains the information pertaining to your data source. Add the following line at the end of the section:

         Workarounds=524288
   

4. On the File Menu, click Save.

5. Click Quit to quit SimpleText.

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.

REFERENCES

For more information about creating parameter queries, click the Office Assistant, type "parameter query," click Search, and then click to view "Create a new query."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q120802
   TITLE     : Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office
               Program or Component