XL: Can't Switch to Server Application While Dialog Box Open

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SYMPTOMS

If you activate an object linking and embedding (OLE) 2.0 object in the client application (the application the object is embedded in) while the server application (the application you used to create the object) is running, you will not be able to switch to or quit the server application while a dialog box is open in the activated object.

For example, if you activate a Microsoft Excel Worksheet object in a Microsoft Word for Windows document while Microsoft Excel is running, you will not be able to switch to or quit Microsoft Excel while a dialog box is open in the activated Microsoft Excel Worksheet object.

This behavior occurs only when you activate the embedded object while the server application is running.

CAUSE

This behavior is by design. When you activate an embedded OLE 2.0 object, the menus and toolbars of the server application replace those of the client application. The server application does not have to be running when you activate an embedded object. However, when you activate the embedded OLE 2.0 object while the server application is running, that instance of the server application is used for the toolbars and menus, and you will not be able to switch to or exit the server while a dialog box is open in the activated object.

WORKAROUND

To switch to or quit the server application while you are editing an object that you created using that application, close the dialog box in the activated object.

MORE INFORMATION

To avoid this behavior, make sure there are no instances of the application you used to create the object running before you activate the object. Once you activate the object, you can start, switch to, and quit the server application even if a dialog box is open in the activated object.