"Word Cannot Obtain Data" When Updating DDE Links

 Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
Article ID: Q119630
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to update approximately 126 DDE links at one time, Word generates the following error message 

   Word cannot obtain data from <object> for <filename>
where <object> refers to the source of the link, such as a Microsoft Excel worksheet object, and <filename> refers to the source file.

The error will occur if your document contains approximately 126 different DDE links that were created with the DDE field code and you do one of the following:

  • Select the "Update Automatic Links at Open" option. (To locate this option, choose Options from the Tools Menu, and select the General tab.)
  • Highlight 126 or more DDE links, and press F9 (to update fields).
  • Highlight 126 or more DDE links, choose Links from the Edit menu, and then choose the Update button.

In some cases, after the above error is generated, you may not be able to update the remaining links, either individually or as a group, without first closing and then reopening the source file.

Changing the DDETIMEOUT= setting in the WINWORD6.INI does not affect this limitation.

CAUSE

This limitation stems from an index that is limited to 128 DDE links. This behavior is by design.

WORKAROUNDS

Method 1: Turn "Update Automatic Links at Open" off, and update fewer than 

          126 DDE links at one time.
Method 2: Use the LINK field in place of the DDE field.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, pages 609-617

KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory: kbfield
Additional reference words: 6.0 6.0a link update dde 6.0c word6
word95 word7 obtain data field code winword
Keywords : kbfield
Version : 6.0 6.0a 6.0c
Platform : WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: February 5, 1998
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