Microsoft Knowledge Base

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0
• Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SYMPTOMS

In the versions of Microsoft Excel mentioned above, when "Database" is defined as a global name that refers to a non-active sheet, activating the Data Form will cause the following error message (even if you have a valid list on the active sheet):

   Database or List Range is Not Valid

CAUSE

Although the Data Form can be used to update data on the current sheet only, when you choose Form from the Data menu, Microsoft Excel still attempts to find the region defined by the global name "Database." If Microsoft Excel cannot access this information (in this case because the information is located on another sheet and that sheet is closed), the "Not Valid" error message is returned.

WORKAROUND

To use the Data Form on several worksheets, do the following to define "Database" locally on each worksheet:

1. Select the database range.

2. From the Insert menu, choose Name, and then choose Define.

3. Type "mysheet!Database" where mysheet is the name of the active sheet.

4. Choose the OK button.