How do I open a file with "too many different cell formats" messa.

[Guest]

I was recently sent a large excel file with several linked spreadsheets. I
inserted one column of a simple formula (converting monthly to bi-weekly
rates) and printed the results. I saved it as a 97-2000 workbook (extension
..xls). When I try to retrieve it now, the message "too many different cell
formats" flashed on the screen and the file does not open. How can I get it
to open and what should I do once it is open (assuming it can be done) to
prevent it from happening again?

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
for dealing with too many cell formats have a look at the following KB
article
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;213904

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your response. This will help me in the future, and I will make
sure I look for ways to simplify formats on files I receive. The link did
not tell me how to retrieve a file that is flashing the message instead of
opening. Any ideas on that?

BR
jaramya

 

[Dave Peterson]

Some people have said that OpenOffice can open these files with no problem.
(then fix/reduce the number of formats, save & close, and try opening in excel)

http://www.openoffice.org, a 60-65 meg download or a CD