WD: Linked Microsoft Excel Object Has Different Characteristics

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, version 7.0
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.01, 6.01a
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SYMPTOMS

Word 97 and Word 98

When you create a link to a Microsoft Excel object while the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is open, the object resembles a table with columns and rows. It may include columns and rows that do not contain data. When you create a link to the same Microsoft Excel object while the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is closed, the object includes only the cells that contain data. There are no extra empty columns or rows. This problem occurs when you create the link via the Create From File tab. (To locate this tab, click Object on the Insert menu.)

For example, if cells A1 to B2 in the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet contain data, and you create a link to this file while the spreadsheet is closed, the result looks like this:

   --------------
  |  123  |  456 |
  |  123  |  456 |
   --------------

   --------------------------------------------
  |  123  |  456 |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |  123  |  456 |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------
  |       |      |     |     |     |     |     |
   --------------------------------------------

Word 6.x (Windows), 7.0

When you create a link to a Microsoft Excel object while the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is open, the object resembles a tiny, shaded table at high resolutions. It is similar in size to an object you insert when the Excel spreadsheet is closed. It may include columns and rows that do not contain data. When you create a link to the same Excel object while the Excel spreadsheet is closed, the object includes only the cells that contain data. There are no empty columns or rows. This problem occurs when you create the link via the Create From File tab.

Word 6.x (Macintosh)

When you create a link to a Microsoft Excel object while the Excel spreadsheet is open, the object resembles a table, with columns and rows. It may include columns and rows that do not contain data. When you create a link to the same Excel object while the Excel spreadsheet is closed, the object includes only the cells that contain data. There are no extra empty columns or rows. However, the object may be 4 to 6 inches in width. This problem occurs when you create the link and click From File in the Insert Object dialog box.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem and insert only the cells that contain data, close the Excel spreadsheet before you create the link to the file. To ensure that all objects have the same characteristics, choose one method to insert the objects.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as soon as it becomes available.