MS Graph Fails If Table Values Are Enclosed in Parentheses
PSS ID Number: Q120980
Article last modified on 11-22-1994
PSS database name: OLEAPPS

3.00 3.00a 3.00b 5.00
WINDOWS

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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Graph, versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.0b, 5.0
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SYMPTOMS
========
When you use the Insert Chart button to change a Word table into a graph,
if the table contains numbers enclosed in parentheses--for example, to
indicate a negative number the table might contain the number ($534.94)--
the default chart will be displayed and it will not contain the data from
your table.

CAUSE
=====
Microsoft Graph interprets parentheses as text characters, not as
the designation for negative numbers. If any part of your selection
contains text (that is, any nonnumeric character except "-" or "+")
instead of numeric data, Microsoft Graph will use the default chart.

STATUS
======
Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in
the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

RESOLUTION
==========
Method 1:  You can copy your table to the default chart. Before running
           Graph, follow these steps:
           1. Highlight your table, and choose Copy from the Edit menu.
           2. Choose the Insert Chart button on the Standard toolbar.
           3. Highlight the cells in the default chart and choose Cut
              from the Edit menu.
           4. In the default chart, highlight the corresponding rows and
              columns into which you want to paste your information.
           5. From the Edit menu, choose Paste .
              NOTE:  The numbers that were originally in parentheses are
              converted to minus signs in the Microsoft Graph datasheet.
              Your original table is unchanged. You can modify the
              format of the number by choosing Number from the Format
              menu while editing the Chart.
           6. Choose the Graph menus to make other modifications or
              selections for your chart.
Method 2:  Replace the parentheses in your table with minus signs and
           restart Graph.

REFERENCES
==========
"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, page 303, 595-597

KBCategory: kbtool
KBSubcategory:
Additional reference words: 6.00 6.00A parentheses negative table
parenthesis minus subtract subtraction 3.0 chartwizard chart wizard
3.00 5.0 5.00 3.00b 3.00a msgraph mschart w4wole

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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1994.