Excel 2003 Registry Policy Setting

[Bill]

I could always open Lotus 1-2-3 file with Excel 2003. However, now I get a
message saying " You are attempting to open a file type that is blocked by
your registry policy settings." How do I access and change this registry
policy setting as it was previously allowing me to open Lotus 1-2-3 files.

 

[RobWN]

See this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938810

 

[Bill]

Took RobWN advice and read KB938810 and applied Both Method # 1 and Method #
2. However, this did not resolve my original problem. I still can't open a
Lotus 1-2-3 file with a file extension of .123 or any Lotus 1-2-3 file.
There must be another Windows registry entry policy that was installed with
Office 2003 Service Pack 3 that is still blocking this format.
Thanks, Bill

 

[RobWN]

Bill;
Are you getting the same message?

I'm at a loss - we have the same problem at work and I was going to tell the "experts" about
this but looks like I won't waste my time if it doesn't work.
The silly part is that we use Lotus Notes which expects you to be able to import/create address
books from a 123 workbook.
IBM gives a nice little "How To" in doing this using xl (set it up, save as 123) but now it
doesn't work because MS seems to think that Lotus is "not secure".

If you happen to find out what the problem is please post back - then I too can be an "expert".

 

[Bill]

Will continue to serach for a cure..........may btake awhile since I can get
around the problem. When I see the file in the Excel open file window, I
right-click and from the Context menu I use "Open With...." and select the
Lotus 1-2-3 application. It opens in Lotus and then I have to select and
copy the data I need to the clipboard and then paste into
Excel...........long way around but I guess that's progress.........
Thanks, Bill

 

[Charlie]

http://www.eggheadcafe.com/software/aspnet/31202085/opening-older-files-from.aspx

Step 1: Create these new registry nodes:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Excel\Security\FileOpenBlock

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Excel\Security\FileSaveBlock

Step 2:

In BOTH of them create this Dword entry:

LotusandQuattroFiles

leaving it at the default value of 0


That fixed it for me

Thanks,
Charlie

 

[Bill]

Charlie,
"You're the Man"...............thanks, your tip worked...and it worked
because you didn't assume I was a genius and I clearly understood and
followed your instructions.
Much appreciated,
Bill

 

[JTR]

Charlie:

Happy New Year! Thanks for the post. Your directions & link to the
"eggheadcafe" were definitely useful. I've been posting at several areas and
looking for others with the same issues. Typically, all I've received so far
was the link to the Article ID 922848. THAT SOLUTION only let you READ a
Lotus file, but not save it. In fact, It corrupted one file, so obviously it
wasn't helpful.

Many thanks for your directions.

 

[Tina]

Hi Charlie, I had the same problem opening lotus files with excel. Where do
I type commands in Step 1 to create new registry ? Thanks for your help.
Tina

 

[JTR]

Tina:

I don't know how quickly "Charlie" will respond, but I'd refer you to the
Microsoft knowledge base articles 922848 and 945797. You can access these at:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922848/en-us
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/945797/en-us
These explain how to get into the registry editor and do other things
related to Lotus & Office, but follow Charlie's instructions after you're
into the registry editor;i.e., "step 1".

Also, let me give you a word of caution: Unless you are really comfortable
with making changes to the core of your computer, you might want to proceed
with extreme caution in following these instructions. At a minimum, you
might want to set a new "restore point" before proceeding.
Remember the old adage of carpenters; "Measure twice, cut once." In other
words, you can really mess up your computer if you're not careful. Good
luck!

 

[Tina]

Thanks JTR. I will take a look at the website & be extra careful as you
suggested. Especially since I'm more of an end-user rather than a computer
person. Thanks for your response. Tina