The RTD function generates an Excel 4.0 macro warning when you open an Excel 2002 workbook in Excel 97 (288616)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q288616

SYMPTOMS

When you open a Microsoft Excel 2002 workbook in Microsoft Excel 97, you receive the following warning message:
The workbook you are opening contains macros. Some macros may contain viruses that could be harmful to your computer.

If you are sure this workbook is from a trusted source, click 'Enable Macros'. If you are not sure and want to prevent any macros from running, click 'Disable Macros'.
When you click Disable Macros, you receive the following warning message:
This workbook contains a type of macro (Microsoft Excel version 4.0 macro) that cannot be disabled. There may be viruses in these macros.

If you are sure this is from a trusted source, click Yes. Open the workbook?

CAUSE

These messages occur when all of the following conditions are true:
  • You create the workbook in Microsoft Excel 2002.

    -and-
  • The workbook contains a formula that uses the RTD() function.

    -and-
  • Macro Virus Protection is enabled in Microsoft Excel 97.

    -and-
  • You open the workbook in Microsoft Excel 97.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The RTD (Real-Time Data) worksheet function is a new feature of Microsoft Excel 2002. To preserve this feature when earlier versions of Microsoft Excel open the file, Excel 2002 saves the function as a Future Record Type, which appears as a user-defined function in Microsoft Excel 97. Microsoft Excel 97 interprets this function as Excel 4.0 macro functionality, and displays the warning message described in the "Symptoms" section of this article.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/2/2004
Keywords:kbbug kberrmsg kbpending KB288616