Excel Err Msg: Cannot Find Solver Add-in

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh versions 3.0 and 4.0, if you change the path or filename for the Solver Add-in after Solver is installed, Excel returns the error message "Cannot find SOLVER Add-in" when you select the Solver command from the Formula menu.

To correct this problem, reinstall Solver with the Excel Setup application on the Excel Setup disk.

MORE INFORMATION

The Excel Setup program creates a folder labeled "Solver" that contains Solver Add-in and Solver Reports Add-in. The installer writes the path of the Solver add-ins to the Excel Settings file. When you launch Excel, it finds the instruction to include Solver in the Formula menu, but does not attempt to load it until you select the Solver command.

Changing the path or file name for the Solver Add-in after installation causes the aforementioned error message. For example, renaming the hard drive of the computer or creating additional folders along the path renders the path written to the Excel Settings file incorrect, and Excel can no longer find Solver.

Reinstalling Solver with the Excel Setup disk solves this problem by writing the correct path to the Excel Settings file. Another way to solve the problem is to move the Solver and Solver Reports Add-ins from the Solver folder to the root level of the Excel Startup folder. This method loads the Solver Add-in when you launch Excel; therefore, the time required to launch Excel increases.

NOTE: If you upgrade to System 7.0 without reinstalling the Solver, this problem occurs when the Excel Startup folder is moved to the Preferences folder.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Excel Solver User's Guide," version 3.0, pages 3-4 "Microsoft Excel Getting Started," version 3.0, page 2