Loading Lotus 1-2-3 Files Using File Associate from Windows

ID: Q73138


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.0a


SUMMARY

You cannot load files directly into Lotus 1-2-3 versions 3.0 and 3.1 using the File Associate command in Windows File Manager.


MORE INFORMATION

Some applications accept command line parameters to load a specific file. For example, typing

c:>word test.doc
loads a document file named TEST into Microsoft Word.

Lotus 1-2-3 versions 3.0 and 3.1 do not support filenames as a command line parameter to load files directly. Attempting to load a file called TEST.WK3 into Lotus 1-2-3 version 3.0 or 3.1 by typing
c:>123 test.wk3
produces the following error:
Cannot load DCF file-run Install
A similar MS-DOS-based error occurs if you attempt to load .WK3 files from Windows File Manager using the File Associate Command. This is a limitation of Lotus 1-2-3 versions 3.0 and 3.1 and is not a Windows problem.

Lotus works around this problem with the use of a 123.BAT batch file and an AUTO123.WK3 auto-execute macro. The 123.BAT file creates a text file with the name and path of the file to be loaded and then loads 123.EXE. The AUTO123.WK3 file reads the filename and path information from the text file and loads the desired file.

In Windows File Manager, the File Associate command associates .WK3 files with 123.BAT instead of 123.EXE.

Specific information on the creation of the 123.BAT file and the AUTO123.WK3 is available from Lotus in a technical note called "Loading a 123 3.0 File from the Command Line".

For more information, contact Lotus technical support.

The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a 3rdparty

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: November 2, 1999
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