Inserting an Excel Worksheet Object Mail Fail Under Windows NT

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51 and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51 and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

The insert object function of a container application may fail if the server application takes a long time to load. For example, if the autosave feature of Microsoft Excel is turned on and you attempt to insert an Excel Spreadsheet into a PowerPoint document, the following error may occur:

"The server application, source, file, or item can't be found. You should reinstall the server application."

CAUSE

Excel takes more time to load when the Autosave ADDIN is enabled. The load delay in Excel results in an RPC_E_SERVERCALL_RETRYLATER being returned. Windows NT is not properly handling the retry mechanism for OLE and RPC_E_CALL_REJECTED is returned. This will then cause the operation to fail.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the hotfix below, or wait for the next service pack.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.