"Can't Extend Database" Message with Excel Data Form

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
• Microsoft Excel for OS/2 versions 2.2, 2.21, 3.0

SUMMARY

The alert message "Can't extend database" may be generated when you use the Excel Data Form to add a record to an already existing database. The alert message may arise from one of two things:

1. There is existing data in one or more of the cells to which Excel is trying to extend the database range. This may include cells which contain spaces, or characters that are not visible.

2. There are no more rows at the bottom of the worksheet to write the new record to.

MORE INFORMATION

This alert message will occur if you have filled a formula down past the end of the defined database range. The alert message is warning you that data already exists (in this case a formula) in a cell to which Excel is trying to extend the database range. If zero values are not being displayed (turned off under the Options command of the Display menu), the cells will appear to be empty until a cell is selected and the formula is displayed in the formula bar.

Solution

To correct the problem, the formula must be deleted from the cells below the defined database range. The Data Form will automatically fill the formula down for the new record so filling the formula down is not necessary.