## XL5: Error Message "Cannot read record" in Imported Lotus 1-2-3 Spreadsheet

The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0

## SYMPTOMS

Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets may contain formulas that are incompatible with Microsoft Excel. When you open the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, the following alert messages may be displayed:

> Cannot read record.(Cell:<reference>) Continue reporting each error?

Choosing YES will cause Microsoft Excel to report all errors, indicating cell references that cannot be translated. Once the file is open, there will be a Cell Note indicator in the affected cells.

## CAUSE

Microsoft Excel will not directly support or translate all formulas used in Lotus 1-2-3.

## RESOLUTION

Formulas that return this error will need to be rewritten as Microsoft Excel formulas.

## MORE INFORMATION

Some Lotus 1-2-3 formulas are either incompatible with Microsoft Excel or they cannot be directly translated to a Microsoft Excel formula. For example, the number of nested functions can affect the compatibility of a formula: Microsoft Excel can handle nested functions to seven levels only.
The products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

## REFERENCES

For more information about converting Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets, choose the Search button in Help and type:

       Lotus

Additional query words: 4.0 4.0a xl5

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:5.0
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb
Technology :

Last Reviewed: May 20, 1999 © 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.