XL98: "Cannot Insert Object" When You Insert a Text File as an Object (184523)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q184523

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, if you click Object on the Insert menu, click From File, select a text file, and then click OK, you may receive the following error message:
Cannot insert object.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if the text file was created in any program other than Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, for example, SimpleText.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, open the text file in Microsoft Word, and then resave the file as a new text file. The new text file is associated with Microsoft Word, and you can insert the file into a worksheet in Microsoft Excel.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, when you click Object on the Insert menu, Microsoft Excel creates an embedded object in the active worksheet. Embedded objects can be created only by using programs that support embedding: for example, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and the shared programs that are included with Microsoft Office 98.

When you attempt to insert a text file into a worksheet, Microsoft Excel 98 attempts to start the program with which the text file is associated, for example:
  • If the text file is associated with Microsoft Word, the text file can be inserted correctly. When you double-click the inserted object, Microsoft Word is started, and you can edit the text in the object.
  • If the text file is associated with another program that does not support embedding, such as SimpleText, you cannot insert the text file, and you receive the error message "Cannot insert object."
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/11/2002
Keywords:kbprb KB184523
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.