Excel: Lotus 1-2-3 .FMT Files Take Precedence Over .ALL Files

Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
Article ID: Q97913
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 4.0a, 5.0

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, when you open a Lotus 1-2-3 file, if you have both an .FMT and an .ALL formatting file with the same name and in the same directory as the worksheet file, the .FMT file will be opened.

MORE INFORMATION

Lotus 1-2-3 uses add-ins to provide formatting features such as borders, shading, and fonts. When you save your worksheet file, this formatting file is saved separately. In Lotus 1-2-3 versions 2.x, you can use the Impress or Allways add-ins. Impress creates files using the same name as your worksheet file plus an .FMT extension. (This add-in is also used in Lotus 1- 2-3 versions 3.x, however, the extension is .FM3.) Allways creates files using the same name as your worksheet file plus an .ALL extension.

When an .FMT and an .ALL file have the same name and exist in the same directory as your 1-2-3 .WK1 file, Microsoft Excel will open and apply the formatting information contained in the .FMT file. The .ALL file will be ignored. Note that opening the .ALL files is only supported in Microsoft Excel version 4.0a for Windows.

If you want the .ALL file to be opened instead, rename the .FMT file or move it to another directory.

REFERENCES

"User's Guide," version 5.0, chapter 3 "Switching to Microsoft Excel from Lotus 1-2-3," version 4.0, page 26


KBCategory: kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 4.0a 4.00a 5.0 5.00 123 format load



THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: September 12, 1996
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.